Newsday Features Suffolk County Drowning Prevention Action Plan

Suffolk County’s first Drowning Prevention Action Plan is making headlines, with Newsday recently covering the urgent effort to reduce drowning deaths and expand water safety education across Long Island.

Why Suffolk Needs a Drowning Prevention Plan

In 2024, Suffolk County recorded 24 drowning deaths, a 60% increase from the previous year and the highest concentration of pool drownings in New York State. Statewide, there were 84 fatal drownings, ranking New York fourth in the nation. The Suffolk County Drowning Prevention Action Plan was created to change this trajectory on Long Island.

Who’s Behind the Action Plan

The plan was developed by The ZAC Foundation, Stony Brook Medicine, Stop Drowning Now, community partners, and local government officials after a July roundtable at Stony Brook University Hospital. Together, the coalition aims to save lives through education, awareness, improved data collection, strengthened prevention workforces (lifeguards), and an emphasis on pool safety.

Karen Cohn, Co-Founder of The ZAC Foundation, emphasized collaboration: “It’s important to bring hospitals, schools, swim programs, and first responders together to devise solutions.”

Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine voiced strong support: “This work will definitely save lives, and we’re looking forward to making that impact in the community.”

Read the full Newsday story, To stop Suffolk drownings, water safety alliance creates action plan to educate public, for more on this lifesaving initiative.