The ZAC Foundation Supports the Illinois Water Safety Plan
The ZAC Foundation is proud to support the Illinois Water Safety Plan (IWSP), the state’s first-ever statewide plan to prevent drowning. On October 20, 2026, dozens of water safety advocates gathered at Illinois State University to advance the plan. The Foundation facilitated the action planning phase leading up to the meeting.
Using Illinois Drowning Data to Guide Prevention
Modeled on the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan, the Illinois Water Safety Plan is built on state drowning data that shows clear risks at every age, from backyard pools for young children to open water like Lake Michigan for teens and adults.
Seven Priority Areas for Drowning Prevention in Illinois
Participants reviewed and prioritized drowning prevention strategies across seven areas:
- Barriers and entrapment prevention
- Boating and life jackets
- Lifeguards and supervision
- Emergency rescue and medicine
- Programs and swim lessons
- Data and evaluation
- Policy and advocacy
“Today marks a significant moment in Illinois’s fight against drowning,” said Karen Cohn, Co-Founder of The ZAC Foundation. “We are honored to support the state’s water safety community in its work to ensure no family experiences the loss of a loved one to drowning.”
What’s Next for the Illinois Water Safety Plan
The IWSP Executive Committee will turn the meeting’s priorities into a draft plan, with a goal of launching the Illinois Water Safety Plan in May 2027.
Learn More About Statewide Water Safety Plans
Find resources for developing a regional or state water safety plan at watersafetyplan.us.
Watch news coverage of the Illinois Water Safety Plan meeting:
Central Illinois Proud: Illinois Water Safety Plan meets to tackle drowning
WAND News: Advocates and educators gather at ISU to develop Illinois water safety plan