2026 California Water Safety Summit

2026 California Water Safety Summit

The California Water Safety Summit is the annual flagship gathering for California’s water safety and drowning prevention community, intentionally designed to bring people together from different professions and geographies to network, share best practices, and work together on effective solutions to reduce the burden of drowning across the state.

The 2026 Summit will take place in Sacramento on April 15th and 16th, presented by the California Water Safety Coalition in partnership with the 2025 co-hosts: the California Department of Public Health and California State Parks.

Over two days, attendees will participate in keynote addresses, panel discussions, and hands on workshop sessions covering a range of critical drowning prevention topics. Beyond learning, the Summit is a collaborative space that serves as an important opportunity to connect with water safety peers and colleagues, from grassroots organizations to local government to state agencies, fostering connections that drive real world impact.

This Summit is for anyone and everyone with an interest in drowning prevention and water safety. Join us in Sacramento to contribute, learn, meet new people, and help build a safer future around water for everyone in California! See blow for important details on registration, logistics, and the summit program.

2026 Summit Co-hosts

REGISTRATION

Important Registration Dates

• Early Bird Registration - December 8, 2025 to January 18, 2026

  • Individual Ticket = $150

• Regular Registration - January 19, 2026 to March 8, 2026

  • Individual Ticket = $200

  • Four-Pack = $600

• Last Minute Registration - March 9, 2026 to April 3, 2026

  • Individual Ticket = $250

  • Four-Pack = $800

Logistics

Dates and Times

April 15th - Summit Day 1
8:00 AM: Arrival and Networking Coffee
9:00 AM: Opening Session Start
5:00PM: Day 1 end
5:30 PM: Networking Social

April 16th - Summit Day 2
8:00 AM: Arrival and Networking Coffee
9:00 AM: Day 2 Start
5:00PM: Summit End

Venue

California Department of Public Health Headquarters (East End Complex)
1500 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814
(Click here for Google Maps)

Parking

Parking is limited around the State Capitol. We strongly recommend walking, biking, or taking public transit. Here is a list of parking garages near the venue. You can also review the City of Sacramento’s parking map for other options.

• 1601 L Street

• 1801 L Street

• 16th and O St: Legado de Ravel Lot North and Legado de Ravel Lot South

• Old Soul Coffee: Arrive before 9 am, 1716 L St, Sacramento, CA 95811

Travel

• The Sacramento Airport (SMF) is approximately 20 - 30 minutes from the Summit venue.

• The Sacramento Valley Station (Amtrak) is approximately 10 minutes from the Summit venue.

• There are several Sacramento Regional Transit Stations within walking distance of the venue.

• Bike parking is available on site.

Hotels

There are a range of hotel options within walking distance of the Summit venue. Participants are encouraged to make there reservations early. Here are a few recommended options:

• Residence Inn by Marriott Sacramento Downtown at Capitol Park (0.2 miles)

• Hyatt Regency (0.3 miles)

• American Inn (0.5 miles)

• Econo Lodge Sacramento Convention Center (0.5 miles)

• Sheraton Grand (0.6 miles)

• The Citizen Hotel (0.7 miles)

• Hyatt Centric (0.8 miles)

• The Fort Sutter Sacramento, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (0.9 miles)

• Hyatt House Sacramento/Midtown (1.0 miles)

• Midtowner Hotel (1.1 miles)

• AC Hotel By Marriott Sacramento (1.1 miles)

• Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown-Arena by IHG (1.2 miles)

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade (1.3 miles)

Summit Program

The 2026 California Water Safety Summit program is currently being developed by the Summit Planning Committee. Details will be posted here as they become available. If you have an idea for a presentation or panel discussion, please send us an email at info@cawatersafety.org.

Call for 2026 Summit Sponsors!

In the interest of maximizing The California Water Safety Summit, registration fees are heavily subsidized to maximize access to this important event. If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring the 2026 Summit in Sacramento, please see the sponsorship packet here.