Tag Archive for: holidays

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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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Home Safety For The Holidays

home safety for the holidays

The holidays are a time of lots of fun and activity in the average household. It is a time when most people are out of their regular daily routine hosting family gatherings and celebrating with friends and neighbors. Accidents are more prone to happen with all the hustle and bustle, so homeowners must make additional efforts to keep family members, guests, and pets as safe as possible.

During this busy time of year and it’s easy to get distracted with holiday shopping, parties, and gatherings, But it’s essential to take a few minutes to think about home water safety. You can take simple steps to help protect your family from water-related accidents.

Following a few basic guidelines can implement the layers of protection needed to prevent accidental drowning. First, ensure your home has good safety features, such as fencing around pools and hot tubs and alarms on doors leading to the pool area.

Second, never leave young children unattended near water, not even for a minute. Keep a close eye on them whenever they’re around water, including baths, pools, lakes, and even puddles.

Remember that ages and stages make a huge difference in home and water safety, so consider them when prepping your home for the upcoming festivities because minor details can make a huge difference.

Here are a few basic precautions to ensure you and yours remain injury-free throughout the season.

  • Make a quick list of local emergency numbers to keep on hand and make copies for friends and family visiting.
  • When cooking, set timers and always be attentive to what is on the stove to avoid fires.
  • Child safety should be delegated to someone who can actively supervise them without distractions. Hosts need to learn to “pass the baton” and make sure there is always someone watching the kids.
  • Walk your guests through your home and property and point out the layers of protection in place, explaining what to look for to ensure everyone is safe.
  • If you have open water areas on your property, set the rules for where kids can go without an adult and be sure everyone is aware of them.
  • Designated watchers can play games to keep kids busy and occupied. Find fun ways to distract them so they don’t go out and seek entertainment on their own.
  • Use LED lights when decorating your home. They don’t get as hot as regular ones, which means your tree won’t dry out so quickly and become a more significant fire hazard.
  • Got a Christmas tree? Make sure to water it every day to prevent early dryness.
  • Watch candle placements in your home, and be sure they are far from curtains and not within reach of kids and pets. Be aware that they don’t burn down too low and crack the glass that encases them or that they burn the surface on which they are placed.
  • Write a family newsletter and send it out before house guests arrive. Go over it together and ensure the inherent safety message is well received. A newsletter is also a great way to give family members information that they all should have, such as emergency numbers, the exact address where they are staying, and any emergency plan you may have.
  • Make an action plan to get through an emergency that details which you will call and where you will go.
  • If the worst situation happens, be ready by knowing exactly where you are and where the nearest hospital is. Try to stay calm during the emergency, call 911 and listen attentively to any instructions the operator might give you.
  • Learn CPR and ensure other family members and guests have this life-saving skill.

What safety measures do you have in place at home to prevent accidents during the holidays? Click here to find more ways to keep your family safe.