U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan Launches!
The ZAC Foundation | 6-29-23
In 2023, the United States launched the first-of-its-kind National Water Safety Action Plan (USNWSAP) to combat the country’s alarming drowning rates.
Key Components of USNWSAP
The USNWSAP (2023–2032) is a 10-year roadmap that empowers communities to create state drowning prevention plans or regional drowning prevention plans and coordinate safety efforts across sectors. The plan includes 99 recommended actions, organized into six key focus areas:
- Barriers, Entrapment, and Electrical Safety
- Data and Public Health Surveillance
- Life Jackets, Personal Flotation Devices, and Other Flotation
- Rescue and CPR
- Lifeguards and Supervision
- Water Safety, Water Competency, and Swimming Lessons
Working with the USNWSAP Steering Committee
Developed over four years by hundreds of volunteer drowning prevention experts and partner organizations, the plan is led by a Steering Committee dedicated to saving lives. As a member of the Steering Committee, The ZAC Foundation played a key role in shaping and launching the plan.
Want to take action? Get started at watersafetyplan.us/tools-for-action. The USNWSAP Steering Committee hosts monthly office hours on Zoom for those working towards water safety in their region.
USNWSAP in the News
When It Comes to Swimming, ‘Why Have Americans Been Left on Their Own?’
The New York Times | 7-27-23
