News 12 Long Island: ZAC Foundation’s Megan Ferraro Talks Drowning Prevention

Drowning Statistics: Long Island and Nationwide

Every summer, families head to beaches and pools to cool off, but drowning remains a serious, preventable risk. Megan Ferraro, Executive Director of The ZAC Foundation, joined News 12 Long Island to share practical water safety tips that can help prevent drowning.

According to the CDC, more than 4,000 people die from unintentional drownings in the U.S. each year, and drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages one to four. On Long Island alone, at least seven drowning deaths have occurred this year, six in Suffolk County and one in Nassau County.

Why Water Safety Education Should Start at Age One

Megan emphasized that prevention starts with early water safety education. Waiting until a child is four, five, or six years old to introduce swimming often means a longer adjustment period, while water safety education can begin as early as age one.

“They’ve never been in a pool before age four, five, or six. It’s going to take a while for them to be comfortable,” Megan said. “So taking those parent and me swim classes as early as one can be really helpful.”

Watch the full interview on News 12 Long Island.