Join Santa Monica Community Aquatics in celebrating National Water Safety Month!

May 1, 2026 11:42 AM
by Joelle Simmons

May is National Water Safety Month, and Santa Monica Community Aquatics is diving in headfirst!

National Water Safety Month, powered by leading organizations like the American Red Cross and Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, is about preventing drownings and saving lives through education, outreach, and access. Santa Monica Aquatics is proud to lead that mission right here in our own community.

From lifeguard outreach to hands-on demos, we’re turning water safety awareness into action all month long. Join us!

Fire Service Day
Fire Station 1, May 9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Stop by Fire Station 1 on National Fire Service Day and meet Santa Monica’s firefighters as well as Santa Monica lifeguards. There will be Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, tours of the fire house, and you can meet the newest canine member of the crew.

CPR LAB
Santa Monica Swim Center Sun Deck, May 16, 2-3 p.m.
Stop by for a free Hands-Only CPR training on the Santa Monica Swim Center Sun Deck!

Santa Monica Sharks Invitational Swim Meet
Santa Monica Swim Center Sun Deck, May 17, 1-5 p.m.
Cheer on the Sharks Swim Team as they compete. Take a selfie with Shawn the Shark, who will be on deck in the Water Safety photo booth and take the National Water Safety Month pledge!

Study Break with City of Santa Monica Lifeguards
Main Library, multiple dates and times
Check out books and other materials about lifeguarding and water safety and discuss with a water safety professional. Learn about careers in aquatics, Junior Lifeguard courses, learning to swim and much more.

Tuesday, May 19, from 1-4 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursday, May 21, from 2-5 p.m.

Open Swim + Water Safety Activation
Annenberg Community Beach House, May 24 & 25, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Take a selfie with Shawn the Shark, who will be on the pool deck encouraging Water Safety and asking families to take the Safe Swimmer Pledge.

Inaugural Sandcastle Competition & Ocean Safety
Santa Monica State Beach Lifeguard Tower 4, May 31, 1-3 p.m.
Join Los Angeles County Lifeguards for hands-on water safety tips, including how to do the Stingray Shuffle and recognize and safely swim in a rip current. Plus, meet a real-life mermaid for a fun, family-friendly experience.

All month long: Take the Safe Swimmer Pledge and #BeWaterAware

Research shows that we're more successful at meeting goals when we join forces with others. Join the movement to reinforce the importance of water safety. Take the pledge, spread the message, and become an advocate in your community today.

“I’m a Safe Swimmer” Pledge:
I pledge to never swim alone.
I pledge to never play or swim near drains or suction fittings.
I pledge to always jump in feet first.
I pledge to obey the pool rules.

For a reminder of your pledge, download the Safe Swimmer Certificate. And learn more about Santa Monica Community Aquatics National Water Safety Month programming here. Let’s make a splash for safety all month long!

Authored By

Joelle Simmons
Aquatic Program Manager

Authored By

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