The ZAC Foundation will join with the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford to host a four-day water safety camp in Stamford July 30 – August 2 for area children and families.

The ZAC Foundation will join with the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford to host a four-day water safety camp in Stamford July 30 – August 2 for area children and families.

Founded in 2008 by Karen and Brian Cohn of Greenwich, the ZAC Foundation joins with local organizations in cities all across the nation each year to sponsor ZAC Camps such as this one.

The award-winning ZAC Camp brings life-saving water safety skills to local five to nine-year-olds. Nearly 15,000 kids all across the country have participated in the camps in recent years. Combining ‘classroom’ instruction with swimming lessons and opportunities to learn important skills from First Responders, the camp provides children and parents with tools to enjoy the water safely while understanding avoidable risks.

Sponsored in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, the ZAC Camp will be held July 30 through August 2 at the Boys & Girls Club Yerwood Center Unit, 90 Fairfield Ave., Stamford.

Community leaders, along with representatives from local police and fire departments, will participate alongside professional water safety instructors.

The Camp will kick off at 9 a.m. Monday, July 30, with an opening ceremony with local officials and Boys & Girls Club representatives participating. It will continue through Thursday, with sessions each day from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The ZAC Foundation was established by Karen and Brian Cohn after the loss of their six-year-old son, Zachary Archer Cohn, who became trapped in a drain in their backyard swimming pool. The Foundation’s advocacy and education efforts have reached thousands of children and their families directly, with millions more reached through social media and news outlets.

In addition to in-pool lessons and safety classes with First Responders, campers will learn the fundamental tenets of water safety from a classroom curriculum based on The Polar Bear Who Couldn’t, Wouldn’t Swim, a children’s book co-authored by Zachary’s parents.

Announcing the Stamford camp, ZAC Foundation co-founder Karen Cohn said, “Each year, it is tremendously gratifying to see our son Zachary’s legacy live on in the faces and laughter of kids across the country who participate in ZAC Camps. We couldn’t offer this life-saving opportunity without our amazing partners, the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, and we’re excited for what I am confident will be an amazing camp. Nothing is more important than the safety of our kids, and it brings us all great joy to provide kids and their parents with the tools to enjoy the water more safely.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children aged 1-4, and the second leading cause among those aged 5-14. Drowning risk is highest in minority populations, with drowning rates nearly three times that of Caucasian children. Many of these tragic deaths are preventable through proper water safety skills and measures.

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About The ZAC Foundation
The ZAC Foundation was established in 2008 by Karen and Brian Cohn after the loss of their 6-year-old son Zachary Archer Cohn in a pool drain entrapment in their backyard swimming pool. Through education and advocacy, the Foundation has educated more than 10,000 children and their families on the importance of water safety and is dedicated to continue preparing more for a lifetime of water safety. To learn more about The ZAC Foundation, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and TheZACFoundation.com.

About The Boys & Girls Club of Stamford

The Boys & Girls Club of Stamford serves over 1,600 youth annually with an average daily attendance of 500 members from Kindergarten through Twelfth grade at two club locations in Stamford: the Mary C. Rich Clubhouse and the Yerwood Center. The Club’s mission is to help the youth of Stamford, especially those who need us most, reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. The Club provides young people with a safe environment in which to learn, grow, and develop positive relationships with peers and caring adults. Over 50 programs are offered throughout the year focused through five core areas: Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Arts, Health & Life Skills, and Sports & Recreation. The Boys & Girls Club of Stamford raises over 95% of the operating budget from individuals, companies, foundations, and government grants in order to fund our mission and continue to make an impact in the lives of the youth in our community. For information on how to donate go to www.bgcastamford.org or call our Club at 203-324-0594.


September 25, 2018