Essential theory about water resources and its safety, the intension, extension and features of water resources safety in coastal cities are studied and analyzed. Progress in research and practice in terms of the relevant theories, technical means, methods, policies and countermeasures of water resources security and development are reviewed. Therefore, the characteristics, current situation and safety guarantee of water resources in East China coastal cities are analyzed and evaluated. Taking water resources security in Shanghai for an example, this study has put forward the strategic system and framework of water resources security guarantee and development in East China coastal cities in the new period and in the future, including the target layer, the system layer, the strategy layer, the tactical layer and the guarantee layer.