Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the numerous California Wildfires

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Recommended Pool and Water Safety Tips 

Swimmers should keep a few safety precautions in mind:

• Don't go in the water unless you know how to swim
• Never swim alone
• Learn CPR and rescue techniques
• Make sure the body of water matches your skill level; swimming in a pool is much different than swimming in a lake or river, where more strength is needed to handle currents
• If you do get caught in a current, don't try to fight it; stay calm and float with it, or swim parallel to the shore until you can swim free
• Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard
• Don't push or jump on others
• Don't dive in unfamiliar areas
• Never drink alcohol when swimming
• Never leave your child alone; if you have to leave, take your child with you
• Find age-appropriate swim lessons for your child, but keep in mind that lessons do not make your child "drown-proof"
• Lifeguards aren't babysitters; always keep your eyes on your child
• Don't let children play around drains and suction fittings
• Don't underestimate the power of water; even rivers and lakes can have undertows
• Always have a first aid kit and emergency contacts handy
• If a child is missing, check the water first

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Project Report from MHSOAC

 TOGETHER WE CAN: Reducing Criminal Justice Involvement for People with Mental Illness

California’s Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) launched an eighteen month review of this issue and has just released the report, Together We Can: Reducing Criminal Justice Involvement for People with Mental Illness.

While not a comprehensive study of mental illness, it’s an actionable roadmap for change calling for California to make an immediate and strong commitment to address this complex issue. “One of the greatest policy failures of our time was dismantling our state mental health care institutions without having adequate community-based treatment in its place,” said MHSOAC Commissioner and Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown. “Our jails shouldn’t be used in place of treatment. We believe we should, and can, do better.”

News Release

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