What services do you provide?

Our primary focus is recovering drowning victims. Sometimes we also recover submerged vehicles or other objects, but we’re not a commercial diving company. When we’re not involved directly, we also help families understand the search and recovery process, and can act as a liaison with other agencies to provide clarification and assistance.

How much do you charge?

We don’t charge anything. California Recovery Divers is a philanthropic effort, and we understand that people need our services in times of crisis and need. We’re also very mindful of the value of donations people have provided, so we’re careful about only accepting projects where we can provide real help.

Do you earn revenue or benefit in another way from social media?

No, nor will we ever use social media as a means to share a family’s tragedy. Our work is highly personal and we believe it should not be sensationalized or videoed under the guise of helping others. We help families quietly in the time of distress. We have collectively recovered over 40 drowning victims and we’ve learned how important it is to treat the victims and families with dignity at their time of tragedy. There are times that we may post some insight or outcome on our website but we strive to do it in a professional and sensitive way.

Do you have a YouTube channel or post videos of your recoveries?

No. We’re aware of some groups that do minor dive operations, like locating vehicles underwater, and create video for entertainment purposes. A few others post videos of actual victim recovery operations which can be highly distasteful and distressing to families. Our focus is solely on assisting families in times of great need and doing this with respect for their privacy. We have collectively recovered over 40 drowning victims and we’ve learned how important it is to treat the victims and families with dignity at their time of tragedy. Honestly, video of our recovery operations would be tedious at best, and highly distasteful at worst.

Where do you provide services?

Mostly Northern and Central California. We’re happy to consider more distant projects, but our volunteers are based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

What makes you different from police and firefighter teams?

Usually law enforcement and firefighters are called as first responders. The scope of their mission is limited by the many other activities they’re also responsible for. Our team is a supplemental resource that can take a longer, measured approach to recoveries. To be clear, we also work very closely with first responders, and some of us also do volunteer work on law enforcement teams, both directly and as instructors and mentors. Optimally, we’re the team that can take a “handoff” from first responders when they need to direct their resources elsewhere.

How do you choose operations?

Generally, we’re contacted via this web site by families or friends of drowning victims. Sometimes, we become aware of a need through the news or our law enforcement contacts, and coordinate with first responders and family members to make sure we have accurate information, and to ensure we’re not interfering with first responders.

Do you have branded merchandise?

Sorry, no. Some sponsors might run promotions to support us using our logo from time to time, but we’re in the business of helping people, not selling stuff.