2025: A Landmark Year for Drowning Prevention

Communities across America launched comprehensive water safety strategies grounded in the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan, moving from reactive responses to proactive, evidence-based prevention. From coast to coast, stakeholders united to address this public health crisis through coordinated action. Learn more on our Drowning Prevention Plans page and map.

State-Level Strategies

Hawaii launched their comprehensive state water safety plan, bringing together aquatics experts, public health officials, and tourism professionals. Learn more at hiwatersafetycoalition.org.

New Jersey became the third state to unveil their water safety strategy, aiming to reduce drownings by 30% by 2030. The 60-page plan was developed with input from 200 stakeholders. Visit njswimsa.org.

Florida announced plans for a statewide strategy launching in early 2026, addressing the state’s unique year-round water safety challenges.

Regional Action Plans

Suffolk County, NY launched their action plan in response to a crisis—24 fatal drownings in 2024 compared to 15 in 2023. The county now accounts for 70% of New York State’s pool drownings. Learn more at stonybrookchildrens.org/watersafety.

Orange County, FL unveiled their community-focused plan on World Drowning Prevention Day, bringing together state senators, representatives, and city commissioners.

A Movement Taking Shape

These initiatives represent a national shift toward evidence-based, community-driven drowning prevention. Each plan draws from the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan while addressing unique local challenges.

These 2025 policy advances prove that when communities collaborate with a shared commitment to water safety, real change is possible.