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The Latest Update on the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan

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At the 2023 National Water Safety Conference, we received the most recent update on the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan (USNWSAP) from Steering Committee member Morag Makay, Director of Research representing Safe Kids Worldwide. 

Water is all around us – 7% of the territory in the United States is covered in water, and there are nearly 11 million swimming pools nationwide. Unfortunately, without evidence-based and effective strategies, much of the water surrounding us on a daily basis can cause unintentional aquatic injuries and drownings that might result in death or a severe life-changing disability.

The Steering Committee has been working closely to create this Plan, which will address the gaps in water safety research and how to implement solutions to water safety issues throughout the United States. 

Townhall Webinar conducted July 13, 2022, including progress then, a list of Blue-Ribbon Panel Members, and a Q&A session.

What is the U.S. National Water Safety Plan?

The World Health Organization recommends that all countries create a Water Safety Plan which addresses the nation’s drowning problem, so creating a Water Safety Plan for the U.S. is a big task! 

The Steering Committee that took on this challenge includes a passionate group of stakeholders and influencers in water safety, including groups like the AAP, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA of the USA, and many more. 

The U.S. National Water Safety Plan is a 10-year plan from 2023-2033, which consists of a four-stage development process:

Stage 1: Establish the scope and framework for supporting development and implementation.

Stage 2: Establish multi-sectoral working groups to develop action recommendations and identify critical evidence gaps with a communication strategy to engage stakeholders.

Stage 3: Obtain stakeholder feedback and convene a high-level expert panel to finalize the Plan. 

Step 4: Launch US National Water Safety Action Plan with guidance and tools to support the implementation. 

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USNWSAP Development timeline from the 2023 NWSC

Specifically, the USNWSAP focuses on evidence-based strategies and data, along with infrastructure to support the implementation of these recommendations: 

  • Data/Public Health Surveillance
  • Life Jackets/Personal Flotation Devices and Other Flotation
  • Water Safety/Water Competency/Swim Lessons
  • Supervision/Lifeguards
  • Rescue/CPR
  • Barriers/Entrapment and Electrical Safety 

The Steering Committee developed these strategies with high regard for values like closely following evidence and evaluation, equity, collaboration, and the local context to which water safety and drowning prevention apply. 

They started with the idea of making the USNWSAP a “model-base,” asking questions like “What should a model Water Safety State, Water Safety County, Water Safety City/Community look like?” and “What national level action would support efforts at other levels and increase equity and likelihood of success across the country?”

After going through the situational analysis phase of planning, the question then changed to “How can we engage and support subnational jurisdictions in developing evidence-informed, context-specific water safety plans?” 

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Recent Progress on the USNWSAP :  

For the Steering Committee to begin forming the Plan further, they needed to develop further resources and tools. 

By doing so, they were able to:

  • Conduct 100+ expert review recommendations and stakeholder surveys.
  • Hold Blue Ribbon Panel Meetings (Dec 2022 and Feb 2023) to review 23 recommendations, looking at the national implications and long-term needs of water safety and cross-cutting issues like:
    • The balance between aspiration and practicality
    • Addressing Equity
    • Stakeholder engagement
    • Monitoring
  • Hold final reviews of recommendations and draft the initial plan document.
  • Develop guidance on situational analysis by convening relevant stakeholders (e.g., aquatics, public health, healthcare, education, government, first responders, and child safety coalitions) to collect, review and discuss:
    • Prevalence of drowning and groups at high risk for drowning
    • When, where, and the circumstances under which fatal and non-fatal drownings occur
    • Aquatic environments, including specific hazards
    • The existence/absence of prevention/response efforts + resources to support prevention

With these formations, the Steering Committee can formally begin launch planning with anticipated goals for the future. 

Anticipated Goals for 2023 & 2024:

The latest U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan update includes several anticipated goals, especially in 2023. 

Anticipated Deliverables for Spring/Summer of 2023: 

  • U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan Document
  • U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan implications for the national minimum standards, model laws, and advocacy toolkits
  • Providing resources with comprehensive guidance on doing a situational analysis to support an action plan (Step 1) 

Anticipated Deliverables for Summer/Fall of 2023: 

  • Resource providing stepwise guidance on action plan development (Step 2) 
  • Online resource providing details on each recommendation to facilitate selection and implementation
  • Research agenda addressing identified gaps (Summer 2023)
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How You Can Get Involved With the US National Water Safety Action Plan:  

While the Steering Committee has been formed to guide the development of the Plan, it still takes all of us to create and execute the precautions needed to transform water safety for now and future generations to come. 

You can get involved by: 

  • Assisting by actively promoting and communicating the work being done for the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and participate in state, county, or local action planning.
  • Lead and participate in developing and communicating national water safety implications with guidance and resources.
  • Support advocacy efforts through funding, legislation, and policy.
  • Undertake research addressing identified evidence gaps in water safety and drowning prevention.

Drowning is preventable, but prevention wouldn’t be possible without those who are passionate and willing to learn and engage in simple actions to keep loved ones safe. 

For more information about the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan, email  info@usnwsap.org, and to learn more about how you can make a difference in drowning prevention, visit https://ndpa.org/support-ndpa/.

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The Latest Information on Water Safety and Drowning Prevention

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For many, water is a source of joy and memory – bringing together even the unlikeliest of pairs. However, water is an element that deserves our respect and attention. 

Drowning is a tragedy that can happen to anyone. Unfortunately, it is fast, silent, and often not what you would expect, so it’s essential to learn the latest available water safety and drowning prevention information.

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Data & Statistics on Drowning

The following data and research has been compiled over the past few years from sources such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), WHO (World Health Organization), and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). Learning the latest drowning statistics is crucial to understanding how drowning can affect anyone and its impact on society.

General Drowning Statistics:

  • Drowning is the single leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of injury-related death for children up to age 14. 
  • There is an average of 4,012 unintentional drowning deaths per year.
  • Drowning remains among the top four causes of death from age 54 and up.
  • The U.S. experiences an average of 11 fatal drownings per day and an average of 22 non-fatal drownings per day.
  • More than 40% of drownings treated in the Emergency Department require hospitalization, transfer, or further care (compared with 8% of all unintentional injuries). Outcomes of morbidity include brain damage, other serious outcomes, and long-term disability.
  • Drowning costs the U.S. Economy $51.53 billion per year.
  • Drowning is fast and silent. It can happen in as little as 20-60 seconds.
  • Nearly 80% of drowning deaths are among males due to increased exposure to water, risk-taking behaviors, and alcohol use.
  • Based on data from 2020, unintentional drowning deaths between ages 20-24 have increased by 44%, and ages 25-29 have increased by 29%.

Drowning Statistics on Children:

  • 88% of child drownings occur with at least 1 adult present.
  • We lose 10 school buses worth of children to unintentional drownings per year, with the average school bus seating 80 students, resulting in an average of 854 children per year.
  • For every child that dies from drowning, another 7 to 8 receive emergency department care for non-fatal drowning. Almost 70% of drownings of young children occur during non-swim.
  • Two out of three drowning incidents that take place in the home occur in a bathtub.
  • 23% of child drownings happen during a family gathering near a pool.

Racial & Ethnic Groups Drowning Statistics

  • In swimming pools, Black children ages 10-14 years drown at rates 7.6 times higher than White children.
  • Black children and youth are more likely to drown in public pools, and white children and youth are more likely to drown in residential pools.
  • Drowning death rates for American Indian or Alaska Native people ages 29 and younger are 2 times higher than the rates for White people, with the highest disparities among those ages 25-29 (rates 3.5 times higher).
  • Drowning death rates for Black people are 1.5 times higher than the rates for White people. Disparities are highest among Black children ages 5-9 (rates 2.6 times higher) and ages 10-14 (rates 3.6 times higher).

Drowning Statistics on People With Disabilities/Medical Conditions

  • People with seizure disorders such as epilepsy are at a higher risk of fatal and non-fatal drowning than the general population. Other conditions, such as autism and heart conditions, are also associated with a higher risk of drowning.
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Water Safety & Drowning Prevention Internal Resources

We offer a wide range of resources at the NDPA to assist you in learning about the latest water safety and drowning prevention efforts across various industries, including residential pools and spas, commercial aquatics, pediatrics, and resources for parents and caregivers.

Some of our best internal resources for water safety and drowning prevention include:

NDPA’s ‘Learn the 5 Layers of Protection’ Animated Video

Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Industry Updates

With recent research findings, water safety legislation, and awareness campaigns currently circulating in the water safety industry, there are many areas of expertise to be mindful of. Only together can we reduce the incidence of drowning and aquatic injuries.  

The following resources are key items to utilize when keeping up to date with the latest water safety and drowning prevention industry: 

Drowning is Preventable!

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance is dedicated to preventing the tragedies of unintentional childhood drownings and aquatic injuries through research, education, and advocacy initiatives. 

Drowning is a complex problem, but it is preventable.

Prevention starts with awareness, education, and implementation of the latest water safety and drowning prevention efforts, statistics, and resources. 

Water safety and drowning prevention is a lifelong endeavor, but it can save a life.

Join the alliance today and help us make a difference in ending drowning and aquatic-related injuries!

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February 2023 Water Safety Champion of the Month: Robin Taylor

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The aquatics industry has impacted so many lives, and for the past 21 years at the Brigantine Aquatic Center, Robin Taylor has advocated water safety for hundreds of children in the Atlantic City Area.  

We are thrilled to celebrate Robin Taylor as our Water Safety Champion of the Month this February!

Robin’s Career Progression in the Aquatics Industry

Robin’s Career in aquatics started when she became a parent to her daughter in 1976. Robin knew of the statistics around drowning when her daughter was still an infant.

 “I didn’t want her to be a statistic. I knew there was something that could prevent her from becoming one of the numbers, and I started her in swimming lessons when she was a baby.” 

After a while, swimming classes for her daughter became costly, which opened her up to volunteer for what is now the Ocean County YMCA, where she eventually became the head instructor for Red Cross CPR & First Aid and the first to complete a new state paramedic program at the Community Hospital of Toms River.

Robin states, “When you start teaching one person, you realize how much difference you can make and all the lives you touch with something as simple as teaching a child how to float.”

After many years of success, Robin took a temporary leave from the aquatics industry but continued to contribute to her community in any way she could, eventually fundraising over $1 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

How Robin Started the Brigantine Aquatic Center

The opening of the Brigantine Aquatic Center all started with the question of where the young children of Brigantine, NJ, could receive swimming lessons. 

“I remember going to a local dance recital with my sister, and I had asked her where the kids went for swimming lessons, and she said “There’s not a place around here built for that,” and I simply responded, ‘Well, we should build one,” states Robin.

“They laughed when I mentioned it, but I was set out to build an aquatic center to share the passion I had for swimming with others.” 

The Brigantine Aquatic Center was then opened in 2001, where Robin currently owns and mentors her aquatic teachers with her husband, daughter, and niece. It is now the home of a wide range of swim programs that has taught more than 7,500 children and is the home of the GreenHeads Swimming Team, a Special Olympics Swim Team, and a Master’s Team. 

Additionally, Robin is deeply involved with the Atlantic City community in which she launched Green Whales Inc, a non-profit that funds program’s like Whelan’s Whales, Greenheads Swimming, and Stanley’s Special Friends to support free swimming programs for inner-city youth.

Thank You For Making a Difference in Water Safety!

Without Robin’s help, many children in the Atlantic City Area would not have had the opportunity to learn how to swim and find passion within the aquatics industry. Her impact in her community has launched countless scholarships, donations, and funding opportunities for children to get involved in swimming.

Her approach to water safety is very hands-on, and she strives to continue to make water safety education and swimming available for every child in New Jersey with the help of more water safety legislation.

As a founding member of the New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance, she is currently working towards passing Bill A618, which requires school districts to provide water safety instruction as part of New Jersey’s Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education in grades Kindergarten through 12. 

“Children and parents need the information to protect themselves in the water,” Robin states, “No parent wants their child to become a tragic statistic.”

The NDPA is honored to present this accolade for Robin’s hard work and passion for her community.

Thank you for being a Water Safety Champion, Robin Taylor!

If you are making a difference in water safety and drowning prevention or know someone who has, we want to hear your story. 

Please take a moment to share the story on our website for a chance to be nationally recognized as a Water Safety Champion.

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Important Ice and Cold Water Safety Tips

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Winter comes and goes with flurries of snow, ice, and cold water each year– three things nobody should ever take lightly. Whether you plan to be near the water or not, cold water can be dangerous, especially if you are unprepared. 

Winter activities like ice skating, ice-fishing, and boating are fun, but to keep them enjoyable, your safety should always be your number one priority. Knowing what can happen if you fall into cold water and what to do in those first few seconds could save you or your loved one’s life.

Why Cold Water Can Be Dangerous

When you go outside on a warmer-than-usual winter day, you might not think the water will be as cold, but air temperatures can be deceiving.

Any water temperature below 70°F should be treated cautiously, and cold shock can begin at temperatures between 50-60°F.

Cold water can cause the body to lose four times more heat than cold air. Therefore, when someone hits cold water, their body begins to go into “cold shock,” causing dramatic changes like involuntary gasps, rapid breathing, a heart rate and blood pressure spike, and reduced mental capabilities.

Cold shock comes in three main phases: 

  1. The Gasp:

Cold water immersion can trigger the “gasp factor,” making breathing difficult. Water can fill the lungs if your head gets submerged when the “gasp factor” happens. 

  1. Body Exhaustion:

Loss of muscular control and overall body weakness in the limbs, hands, and feet can be felt within seconds. The longer in cold water, the more severe the symptoms become. When the body becomes weak, it is harder to stay floating without assistance.

  1. Hypothermia:

Hypothermia is the extreme lowering of core body temperature and can be dangerous if not treated.  For example, having your core body temperature drop below 95°F may result in unconsciousness and death. 

Depending on the temperatures of the water, minimizing the time you are in the water is essential. Therefore, if you are going to be on/near cold water or ice, it is always best to be adequately prepared if you or a loved one falls in.

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Cold Water Safety Tips:

Whenever you go on a winter outing, always prepare as if you are going to fall into cold water.

The following cold water safety tips will help you keep you and your loved ones safe around cold water this winter:

4 Essential Cold Water Safety Tips: 

  1. Check the weather and water conditions before you go out. You will want to dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.  Some examples include:
  • Wet Suit
  • Dry Suit
  • Immersion Suit
  • Survival Suit
  • Exposure Coveralls
  1. Always wear a brightly colored USCG-approved life jacket.
  2. Bring a communication device like a cell phone, position-indicating radio Beacon (EPIRB), personal locator beacon (PLB), or a VHF radio.
  3. Communicate your location, supplies, and plans with someone you trust on land. 

If You Fall Into Cold Water Safety Tips: 

  • Hold your hands over your mouth to prevent gasping in cold water.
  • Try to stay calm and control your breathing. 
  • Assess your surroundings and devise a plan to get to safety.
  • Minimize your time in the water by doing 10 minutes of meaningful movement to safety. 
  • If you can’t find a place to swim to get to safety, use the H.E.L.P position, or if you are with a group, the Huddle Position until help can arrive.
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H.E.L.P Position:
Draw your knees to your chin and keep your legs together.
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Huddle Position:
Form a huddle with other people to lessen body heat loss.

After Rescue Cold Water Safety Tips:

After a person is rescued from cold water, their body temperature will continue to drop. Seconds count even after getting someone out of cold water. Here are some helpful steps to take after a cold rescue:

  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Get to a warm place and begin actively trying to warm up as you monitor breathing and blood circulation.
  • Remove any wet clothing and wrap them or yourself in blankets or new dry clothing.
  • The core should be warmed first, then other limbs like hands and feet. 
  • Avoid warming up too quickly, and DO NOT go into warm water. Warming up too quickly can cause an irregular heart rate. 

Ice Safety Tips

Ice can be tricky and is never 100% safe. Typically, ice only sometimes freezes uniformly in one location, so it’s essential always to have a plan prepared before going on or around the ice. 

General Safety Around Ice:

  • Always check the temperature outside. Air temperatures can often impact the quality of ice. You will always want to dress for the water temperature rather than the air temperature.
  • Always wear a brightly colored USCG-approved life jacket. Lifejackets will help you stay afloat when the stages of cold shock begin.
  • Check the ice thickness in multiple areas. General ice thickness guidelines recommend that a minimum of 4” of clear ice is safe for activities on foot.
  • Go with a buddy & share with others your activity plans, including what supplies you are taking, your location, and the personal location devices you have with you.
  • Bring an ice safety kit that includes rope, ice picks, a whistle, a cell phone or VHF radio, spiked shoes, an emergency first aid kit, extra clothes, and blankets.

If YOU Fall Through The Ice:

  • Remain calm and avoid panicking.
  • Face the direction you came and spread your arms out on the unbroken ice.
  • Begin kicking your feet and try to pull yourself onto the ice.
  • Once you pull yourself out of cold water, remain lying on the ice, but do not stand!
  • Roll away from the hole and crawl as carefully as possible to solid land.
  • Treat yourself for hypothermia and seek medical attention immediately.

If Someone Falls Through Ice: 

  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Reach, Throw, or Row; never go out on broken ice!
    • Reach: If you can reach them safely on solid ground, extend an object such as a rope, a tree branch, or a ladder. If you cannot hold their weight, release your grip and find a different approach.
    • Throw: Toss an end of a rope or a floating device to tie around themselves before phase 2 of cold shock begins.
    • Row: If the ice is completely broken apart and can hold a small row boat to reach the victim. Use the paddle to pull them aboard. 
  • Help the person into dry clothes or a blanket ASAP.
  • Seek immediate medical attention after rescue. 

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Ice Rescue with First Responders

Always Know and Practice Cold Water Safety During the Winter

After reading these tips and educating yourself on the hazards of cold water, you and your loved ones will be better prepared for any winter outing, whether you are near the water or not.

Regardless of the water temperature, you should always know about the water’s dangers and understand how to counteract them, especially by using the 5 Layers of Protection.

All layers of protection must work together to help prevent the tragedy of drowning. Water safety isn’t just during swim time. It is a year-long practice! 

For more information about water safety and the 5 Layers of Protection, become a Water Safety Champion today! 

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How You Can Influence Stakeholders for Water Safety Legislation to Prevent Drownings

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During the cold winter months, you may not think about going in the water much, but that doesn’t mean your water safety efforts and education should stop.

Drowning is a public health crisis and an economic problem that will not change unless more water safety policies and legislation are put into effect throughout our communities. Through the 2020 CDC WISWARS Cost of Injury Module, drownings (both fatal and nonfatal) cost the U.S. Economy $53.53 billion per year.

We are Not Powerless When Addressing the Tragedies of Drowning

Advocating for more water safety legislation and drowning prevention efforts in our local and state governments is essential to help change the number of drownings across the U.S.

Drowning has a startling ripple effect, which can have a lifetime effect on the victim’s family, friends, and community members. However, many people may not publicly advocate for water safety legislation because they might not know where to start.

To make things easier for those who want to advocate for water safety action and those interested in improving how their community prevents drowning incidents and other aquatic injuries, here are some tips that can be used as a guide.

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1. Look at Your Local and State Level Water Safety Legislation Laws
Before approaching community members with water safety legislation, educating yourself is critical.  Become familiar with the water safety issues around you and learn more about water safety education by implementing the 5 Layers of Protection.

Educating yourself and those around you about water safety is a lifelong endeavor, so stay up to date with the latest research and evidence-based drowning prevention strategies through your state’s water safety legislation. 

All states have different laws, codes, and regulations around public health and information on pools, hot tubs, and splash pads, so use the following resources below to read about local and state-level water safety legislation initiatives that are currently in effect: 

2. How to Advocate for Water Safety Legislation to Policy Makers

By learning about the latest laws, codes, and regulations, you will be able to become more active in your community to make a difference. Working your way up is a great way to start advocating for water safety legislation efforts.

Attending local government meetings to discuss community issues like fencing ordinances to provide barriers for homes with pools and spas or recommending pool and spa covers to homeowners with water features can help reduce aquatic-related incidents. Always advocate for all five layers of protection, as one water safety strategy may not be enough to save a life.

When you create lasting relationships with your local officials by regularly participating in community meetings, you provide the necessary information to make positive changes for your community, city, and even state.

Without the support of engaged and dedicated water safety advocates, reducing the number of drownings wouldn’t be possible. Without those to share and advocate for water safety, U.S. Rep Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) wouldn’t have been able to become a Water Safety Champion and rally to support the reauthorization of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act). 

Other ways you can help advocate for water safety include: 

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U. S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) Receiving Lighthouse Award and Becoming a Water Safety Champion

3. Empower Your Community to Help Prevent Drowning with Water Safety Legislation

When it comes to the health and safety of children, empowering your community to rally against drowning and aquatic injuries is as simple as ‘gimmie 5’:

  1. Installing barriers & alarms to help prevent children and unauthorized adults from accessing water unsupervised.
  2. Close, constant, and capable supervision anytime children are in or around water.
  3. Learning water competency and basic swim skills.
  4. Wear life jackets appropriately, especially around open water.
  5. Learning emergency preparation skills like CPR and fast action to call 911.

Each of these 5 Layers must work together, so teaching members of your community significantly impacts those around you.
Make access to water safety education simple and easy to access. Follow the NDPA’s social feeds for social media posts to share or access your Resource Kit after becoming a Water Safety Champion. Always be open to sharing resources to spread drowning prevention awareness to your friends, family, and community.

It Takes a Village to Advocate for Water Safety Legislation

With water safety legislation, we can make a difference in drowning prevention, but it takes more than one person to create change for the greater good. Drowning prevention is more than educating parents about water safety.

By becoming more aware of the dangers water can present to our communities and utilizing the best water safety strategies, we can make a difference in preventing future drowning and aquatic injuries. 


To join the fight for more water safety legislation for drowning prevention in our communities, visit NDPA.org/support-ndpa/.

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Water Safety Champion of the Month: David Albornoz of Como Park Pool – Jan 2023

Another year has passed, and we can’t help but look forward to all that 2023 has to offer!

It is with great excitement that the NDPA finally launched our Water Safety Champion of the Month campaign to recognize the hard-working people that are making a difference in drowning prevention and water safety.

With drowning being the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4, we must acknowledge those that are doing their part to save lives by becoming Water Safety Champions.

By learning, advocating, and implementing the 5 Layers of Protection, these individuals are actively reducing the number of drownings every single day.

One of those individuals is our first-ever Water Safety Champion of the Month, Coach David Albornoz, of Como Park Pool in St. Paul, Minnesota!

David’s Unique Background in Aquatics

In his native country of Venezuela, David Albornoz began his career in aquatics as a beach lifeguard at age 15.

Growing up in a country with friends and family that were around water constantly, he became increasingly heartbroken when he realized how profound the issue of drowning was, especially when he moved to the United States in 2002.

“I had nightmares for the families that had to experience the loss of a child. And the worst part to me was that it was completely preventable. The sad reality is: there isn’t enough access to water safety education, especially for kids of color,” Albornoz states.

Coach David had the vision to prevent drownings and save lives, and in doing so, he continued lifeguarding during his pursual of a Master’s Degree in the Arts of International Law.

Eventually, he felt the pull to return to the aquatic industry and has been coaching, lifeguarding, and advocating water safety and drowning prevention for about 30 years.

How David Is Advocating Water Safety at Como Park Pool

A proud member of St. Paul’s community, Coach David promotes water safety efforts every day and continues to motivate high school students to pursue aquatic careers.

David’s approach to continuing water safety efforts makes a huge difference when inspiring young students to pursue a career path in aquatics during this time of lifeguard shortages.

“It’s never too late to form a connection, especially for marginalized youth. Because I look and sound more like a minority, I think it becomes more memorable and relatable to those that grew up in a different cultural background,” says Albornoz.

Beyond just having a diverse aquatic and cultural background, David has teamed up with many different groups in his community to prevent drowning. In the spring of 2022, a Minnesota-based charity run by Alison Petri, Abbey’s Hope Charitable Foundation, approached Coach David and his team to help spread water safety education in the public schools across their community.

“I’m not a planner,” Albornoz joked, “but I am an executor and your number one person on the ground. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to save lives. Tell me what to do, and I will do it”.

In his community outreach efforts, he has even started a program called Rec Check Program: Safe In The Water, which provides after-school care for youth opportunities to swim and receive water safety presentations to children for an hour and a half every week.

Using this weekly program, kids can stay safe both in and out of the water more consistently while encouraging them to become more active at the same time.

Thank You For Making a Difference!

We could have lost thousands of children to preventable drownings if David hadn’t worked tirelessly to prevent these tragedies. His impact in the community has made a profound impact not just in his community but on a national level.

His approach to water safety is incredibly proactive, uplifting, and positively contagious. The NDPA is honored to present this accolade for the hard work and the passion David brings to his daily life.

Thank you for being a Water Safety Champion, David Albornoz!

If you are making a difference or know someone who has, we want to hear your story.

Please take a moment to share the story on our website for a chance to be nationally recognized as a Water Safety Champion at ndpa.org/nominate-wsc/.

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5 Reasons to Support Water Safety Organizations During the Holidays

The holidays are in full swing! This is a joyous season for many of us – from gift-giving, visiting family and friends, and baking holiday confections – there’s so much to be thankful for. 

Despite the joyous overtones of the season, many families and friends have had to deal with the unexpected ups and downs of losing a loved one to drowning or other aquatic-related injuries.

Throughout the year, many water safety organizations (including the NDPA) work hard to educate families, children, and their communities about the importance of water safety. Still, the holidays are the perfect opportunity to bring attention to the urgent need to prevent drownings.

We want to make the giving process as easy and understandable as possible, so here are some of the best reasons to support water safety organizations and continue to end the tragedy of childhood drownings.  

1. Drowning is the Leading Cause of Death in Children Ages 1-4

The statistics are shocking: drowning is still the leading cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 and remains in the top 4 causes of death for ages 54 and up. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that number correlates to an average of 4,012 unintentional drowning deaths per year based on data from 2011-2020. 

It’s important to know that drowning can happen to anyone, but there are steps to help reduce this staggering amount of lost lives each year. Although accidents happen, pool owners, owners of properties with large water features, and parents with young children must remain vigilant regarding water safety.

Drowning can happen in as little as 30 seconds, so no single water safety strategy is enough. 

Organizations that actively share information about the 5 Layers of Protection to prevent drowning – Barriers & Alarms, Supervision, Water Competency, Life Jackets, and Emergency Preparation – should earn your support because they provide information on the best five water safety strategies that can reduce drowning risks.

2. Drowning Costs the U. S. Economy Over 50 Billion Per Year

While it’s true that many aquatic activities have significant physical and social benefits, those that aren’t practicing proper water safety strategies are at a greater risk of drowning. 

Through the CDC WISQARS cost of injury module, the total estimated cost of drowning (fatal and nonfatal) in the U.S. in 2020 was $53.53 billion. This calculation includes the addition of the cost of emergency services and hospitalizations related to drownings.

Based on this statistic alone, it is clear that drowning is not only a public health problem but an economic problem that will continue to increase if awareness and education about drowning prevention efforts are not brought to light. 

When you donate to a water safety organization, you are contributing to saving lives in your community and reducing the economic burden on our country. 

3. Donations Help Expand Vital Research and Funding Programs

Many water safety organizations depend on donation dollars to help promote programs and research collaboration efforts to help prevent drowning.

To keep the research gaps narrow and prioritize evidence-informed strategies for water safety, it is necessary to expand research and funding programs for drowning prevention.

Donating to water safety organizations also supports swim lesson grants, life jacket loaner stations, research summits, and programs that make water safety education readily available to the general public and government officials.

4. Even Small Donations Can Make a Huge Impact on Local Communities

When you want to change the numbers globally, it all starts with making a difference locally, and a little can go a long way.

  • Talk to your local water safety and drowning prevention organizations to see what your community needs most:
  • Is there a shortage of lifeguards due to the cost of certifications?
  • Are there children in need of swim program scholarships?
  • Does your community lake need support in building a life jacket loaner station?
  • Do your local non-profit organizations need donations for materials for hosting a water safety day at local schools?

The contributions you make to water safety organizations that work on local initiatives like the above are essential, and a $25-$50 donation can have a significant impact on local families.

Find the nearest water safety organization near you and see what type of opportunities they offer and how you can get involved. Remember, every donation counts!

5. Non-Profit Donations Are Tax-Deductible

Did you know that donating to a 501(c)(3) non-profit can make you eligible for certain tax deductions?

The tax deduction associated with donating can make donating seem more tangible, as you can see it comes directly from the slight decrease in your income taxes.

As an added benefit, you’ll save a little on your giving list for the season, which is a great financial incentive to contribute to the safety of your community!

To search for a tax-exempt water safety organization, use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search Tool.

Supporting Water Safety Organizations this Holiday Season

No matter which water safety organization you choose, remember that the intention behind your donation matters more than the amount. Even $5 can help an underprivileged community have better access to swimming lessons or help fund the salary of a lifeguard.

At NDPA, we are beyond thankful for the generosity of our donors, members, partners, and continued supporters throughout the holiday season.

Without all of you, achieving our mission to prevent the tragedy of drowning would not be possible!


For more information about how you can support NDPA and get connected with your local water safety and drowning prevention organizations visit our website at NDPA.org.

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6 Water Safety Tips To Help Save A Life This Summer

NDPA Joins National Water Safety Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(OVERLAND PARK, KS) – As families converge on aquatic centers, pools, splash pads, waterparks, and open bodies of water for recreational water activities this Memorial Day weekend, it is vital to ensure safety is a priority for all people. The National Water Safety Month campaign supporters offer six important tips and reminders for parents and caregivers about safer water practices.

As you enjoy time in and around water this summer, keep these six water safety tips in mind:

  1. Capable & Constant Supervision – Actively supervise children and non-swimmers around the water, even when lifeguards are present. Don’t just drop kids off. Avoid distracting activities such as checking email or social media. Drowning is quick and silent.
  2. Water Competency – No matter your age, learning to swim and survive in the water is one of the best ways to be safer in and around the water.
  3. Prevent Unsupervised Access To Water –Barriers and alarms help prevent access to water during non-swim times. Almost 70% of toddler drownings occur during non-swim times. Four sided fencing with a self-closing self-latching gate helps prevent unplanned access.
  4. Swim With A Buddy – Do not allow anyone to swim alone. Even at a public pool or a lifeguarded beach, use the buddy system.
  5. Wear A Life Jacket – Adults and kids should always wear a properly-fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while boating. Non-swimmers and inexperienced swimmers should also always wear a life jacket when in and around the water. Inflatable toys can be fun but are not a substitute for U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  6. Be Prepared For Emergencies – Learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies by learning CPR.

About National Water Safety Month

National Water Safety Month is a joint effort of the American Red Cross, the National Recreation and Park Association, Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and the World Waterpark Association. Joining the NWSM partnership in 2022 is the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the incidence of drowning and preventing tragedy around water.

These organizations honor National Water Safety Month in May, along with thousands of aquatics facilities and professionals, through educational programs, public service announcements, governmental proclamations, dealer and aquatics business promotions and the distribution of water-safety-themed materials, aimed primarily at the public and designed to help prevent drowning and water-related illness and injuries. 

Detailed information and free resources in support of National Water Safety Month, for both consumers and businesses, can be found at www.nationalwatersafetymonth.org. Connect with National Water Safety Month on Facebook (@watersafetymonth).

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Aleatha Ezra
Director of Park Member Development
World Waterpark Association
aezra@waterparks.org

Cort Jones
Communications Manager
National Recreation and Park Association
cjones@nrpa.org

Don Lauritzen
Communications Officer
American Red Cross
media@redcross.org  

Laura Metro
Marketing & Communication Director
National Drowning Prevention Alliance
Laura.metro@ndpa.org

Jessica Howard
Vice President, Marketing
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
jhoward@phta.org

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Bringing Diversity To Aquatics

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states the sad fact that more than 3,500 people drown each year in the U.S, making drowning the leading cause of death in children 1 – 4 years old. Even more sad, minorities drown at a rate three times higher than their peers.

Diversity is directly linked to the opportunity to be water safe. As we are well aware, aquatics suffers from lack of diversity, enforcing a system where the access to learning how to swim and gain water competency are not the same for everyone.

Between 1999-2010, the fatal unintentional drowning rate for African Americans was significantly higher than that of whites across all ages. The disparity is widest among children 5-18 years old and is most pronounced in swimming pools. African American children 5-19 drown in swimming pools at rates 5.5 times higher than those of whites. This disparity is greatest among those 11-12 years in which African Americans drown in swimming pools at rates 10 times those of whites.(1)

Factors such as access to swimming pools, the desire or lack of desire to learn how to swim, and choosing water-related recreational activities may contribute to the racial differences in drowning rates. Available rates are based on population, not on participation. If rates could be determined by actual participation in water-related activities, the disparity in minorities’ drowning rates compared to whites would be much greater.(2)

Many organizations and advocates are striving to bring swimming to minority communities and thus reduce the incidence of drowning among them. Here are a few that you can support:

Diversity In Aquatics 

The drowning and participation gaps in aquatics mirror the disparities we find in public health and education, often ignoring the ongoing historical issues of race, socioeconomic circumstances, and cultural stereotyping. Therefore, a revamped focus is needed to address and help curve the current gaps found in aquatics.

Founded by Dr. Shaun Anderson and Jayson Jackson in 2010, Diversity In Aquatics is an organization built to develop a network to help save lives by empowering communities to have equitable access to quality aquatic opportunities. They work to address historical policies and practices that impact resource allocation and access to public spaces to understand present-day aquatic disparities.

Afroswimmers

AfroSwimmers is a swim movement that offers lessons and aquatic wellness services for people of color, founded by swim coach and aquatic healer Noelle Singleton.

AfroSwimmers boasts a facility in Atlanta where programs — including competitive coaching, aquatic therapy, and private swimming lessons — are offered to help break down barriers between the Black community and swimming.

Black People Will Swim

Black People Will Swim’s sole mission is plain and simple: it’s smashing the stereotype that Black people don’t swim. Their end game is to make a difference in the world of aquatics.

They aim to do this through a number of ways with their acronym F.A.C.E. encouraging their community to FACE their fears.

Swim Uphill

Founded by paralympic swimmer Jamal Hill, this organization has made it its mission to take justice against senseless drownings by promoting water safety competency through the Swim Uphill method in underserved communities around the globe.

Black Kids Swim

Black Kids Swim is a 501c3 organization based in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Their mission is to increase Black participation in the sport of competitive swimming. They also offer their consultancy services to aquatic facilities that wish to include a diverse group of adults and/or children to their programs.

The Josh Project

The Josh Project is a drowning prevention agency dedicated to water safety training and education. Their mission is to build basic swimming skills and knowledge of water safety to prevent drowning.

SwemKids

SwemKids is nonprofit school-based program that teaches children introductory swimming lessons and water safety skills as a part of their school’s curriculum. This model ensures that children are exposed to the water early and gain important life-saving skills to make sure they are safe while having fun!

Black Swimming Association

The Black Swimming Association (BSA) is a non-profit organisation set up to promote education among the Black community as well as other ethnic minority communities on water safety and drowning prevention measures.

They strive to ensure that the issues that preclude these communities from engaging in aquatics are researched, understood and  adequately addressed to promote inclusion and change.

  1. Gilchrist J, Parker EM. Racial/ethnic disparities in fatal unintentional drowning among persons aged ≤29 years—United States, 1999–2010. MMWR 2014;63:421–6.
  1. Branche CM, Dellinger AM, Sleet DA, Gilchrist J, Olson SJ. Unintentional injuries: the burden, risks and preventive strategies to address diversity. In: Livingston IL, editor.  Praeger handbook of Black American health (2nd edition): Policies and issues behind disparities in health. Westport (CT): Praeger Publishers; 2004. p. 317-27.

Member/Partner Advocacy Campaign: No Floaties Campaign – Judah Brown Project

Written & Produced by the Judah Brown Project

Floaties – Puddle jumpers, water wings, ring floaties, neck rings. We believe they all have one thing in common:

They each contribute to child drownings.

We believe this is how:

All of them automatically put children in a vertical position in the water and that is the drowning position. It’s the exact opposite position to the life-saving, horizontal position that learning to float on their backs and then to swim teaches them. Puddle Jumpers teach children’s muscles to remember that drowning position, so that when they get into water, their bodies will automatically get into that position, whether they have the device on or not. This makes drowning faster!
They all teach children to bicycle their arms and legs, in order to propel through the water. This is commonly known as treading water, but it expends huge amounts of energy and kids cannot keep it up for long enough to get rescued or save themselves. They tire out in less than a minute and will then drown.
All of these devices prevent kids from learning to reach their arms out in front of them for any swimming stroke and from putting their heads in the water to help them get into a horizontal (swimming and breathing position) in the water.
Puddle Jumpers contribute to water phobia because they don’t allow much water on the face and therefore don’t allow children to become used to the water being on their faces. If the water does hit their face in an emergency situation, the child is more likely to panic and freeze and then not be able to help themselves.
All of these devices create a false sense of safety for the child when used in the pool, during swim or play times. The child thinks they can swim as they have built confidence in the water (because they have been wearing the device every single time they are in the water). They then don’t know how their own bodies react in the water without a flotation device on and they don’t make the connection that the device is what keeps them floating and not themselves. They think that they are floating on their own. So, when the opportunity arises for them to get into water (even when they aren’t supposed to be in it), they are much more likely to do so without the device and without a parent, thinking they can swim on their own, when they really can’t.

This false sense of safety does not commonly happen when flotation devices are only used in open water, most likely because when they aren’t using a device at the pool (which is most children’s learning to swim place), the child learns about what their own bodies can and can’t do in the water and they realize they can’t float or swim on their own yet.
All of these devices create a false sense of safety for adults. Adults tend to not be as vigilant around the water when they put their kids in these devices. So, as an example, during a break when a parent might be attending to another child, their little one may have their device off temporarily and because the parent has trained themselves not to have to be as vigilant, they have a lapse in supervision for a few seconds. In that time, the little one can easily end up in the pool without the device that holds them up in the water and can drown! It only takes 30 seconds! A young child CAN and they often DO sneak off when you are even briefly distracted!!!
None of these devices are Coast Guard approved except the Puddle Jumper.
Puddle Jumpers are Coast Guard approved but at the lowest level possible-below life buoys, which are only meant to throw to someone and quickly pull them out of the water. Puddle Jumpers are not reliable as a safety measure in any water that is not completely calm. They are marketed as a “swim aid”, but NO device is a swim aid.

Flotation devices of any kind should never be used as a swim aid because of the reasons above.

Instead, children should learn to float on their backs and then learn survival swim techniques, as well as always having one-on-one touch supervision (a parent or adult never being outside of an arm’s reach of a non-swimmer) in and around the water.

It has become very popular for parents to use flotation devices in places they were never meant to be used (like the pool), thinking that’s what keeps the kids safe. But it doesn’t! During the time they are in the water, the devices keep them floating, but we believe they also teach them all the points above.

Most child drownings happen when it’s not swim time-meaning they happen when kids sneak back to the pool without you, after swim time is over, and that means they won’t have the device on at the time they drown. If they learn what their bodies can and can’t do in the water by not using the devices, they are much less likely to sneak back to the water, because they will know by their experience that they can’t swim and thus, the drowning won’t happen.

Life Vests are the only safe floatation device and we believe that even they should NOT be used at a pool. They should only be used in open water like oceans, lakes and rivers (where it is very important that they are used). Life Vests were made for open water. They were never meant to be used in pools.

Pools are where kids learn what their own bodies can do in the water. They need to do that without a flotation device on, to develop respect for the water. They need to have lessons that teach them to float on their backs so that they can breathe and wait for help, and then need to learn to swim so that they can rescue themselves. They need you to always stay within an arm’s reach of them while in or around water, until they learn to swim on their own. They need you to never put them back into the device while learning to swim or after they have learned, because the devices will unteach them all of the skills they have learned in lessons.

That’s why we say NO to floaties! Join us in our mission to make sure all children are taught to float, all parents know the dangers of floatation devices during swim times, all Puddle Jumpers and floaties stop being used at all and Coast Guard approved life vests are used in open water, but not in pools with little ones.

Bring us your Puddle Jumpers and other floaties and let us help you choose life saving survival swim lessons instead!

For more information on how YOU can help with this campaign, please contact Annette Courtney at annette@judahbrownproject.org or Christi Brown at christibrownsky@yahoo.com.

Please visit nofloaties.org to sign our Puddle Jumper Pledge! You taking this pledge will help spread the word to other moms and dads that puddle jumpers and floaties are not safe for our young children in the water!

The message that these devices are ok to use with our kids was spread from parent to parent. Please help us reverse this misguided information, by spreading the truth about these devices from parent to parent by talking about it with as many parents as you can!!

Click here to learn more about the “No Floaties Campaign”!