Water Safety and Education

Providing training in and around the water.

Give to the CSUN Aquatic Center

Unintentional drowning takes the lives of about ten people every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. In the United States, drowning is fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death.

CSUN’s Aquatic Center aims to change this statistic through its free water safety and boating education programs that serve approximately 5,000 people annually throughout greater Los Angeles. Founded in 1976 at Castaic Lake Recreation Area in Santa Clarita Valley, the Center is one of the largest boating education centers in southern California.

The CSUN Aquatic Center primarily serves urban minority youth groups and at-risk youth. In addition, the Center offers a variety of programs and activities that serve a range of ages, skill levels, and physical abilities. Programs include STEM and water safety for middle school through high school field trips; team building exercises for nonprofit groups; summer camps for recreation centers and youth serving organizations; and canoe, kayak, paddle board, sail, water ski, and wake board lessons for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

CSUN students can earn academic credit for courses offered by the Department of Recreation and Tourism Management. Courses on flat water boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, and sailing are taught by highly trained, certified staff, and prepare students for leadership positions that enhance the quality of life through recreation, leisure, and play.

Provide confidence and life-saving skills in and around water. Your gift expands programs and training to reach more youth, particularly people with disabilities.