New Jersey Unveils Water Safety Strategy to Cut Drownings by 30%

The ZAC Foundation’s Executive Director Megan Ferraro joined community leaders in Camden on Tuesday, June 17, as the New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance unveiled the state’s comprehensive water safety strategy aimed at reducing drownings by 30% by 2030.

New Jersey’s Strategic Approach

New Jersey becomes the third state to develop a targeted water safety plan under the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan, following California and Hawaii. The 60-page strategy addresses swim safety awareness, drowning prevention, lifeguard training and development, and data consolidation—developed with input from 200 stakeholders across the state.

“Drowning is an important public health injury that we need to work on preventing,” Megan explained at the Kroc Center event, which highlighted the urgent need for coordinated prevention efforts as drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.

Hear Megan break down the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan on FOX 35.

Learn more about the New Jersey Water Safety Strategy at njswimsa.org.