County and community-based water safety task forces are one of the most effective ways to immediately improve public safety. By operating at the local level, these alliances directly engage first responders, health officials, educators, and community leaders—the very people on the front lines of both tragedies and prevention efforts.

The ZAC Foundation has supported water safety alliances and task forces from Long Island and Connecticut to Central Texas, Florida, St. Louis, and Chicago—offering guidance, convening roundtables and working meetings with key stakeholders, and ensuring local groups have the resources, data, and support they need to protect families and prevent drowning.

Water Safety Action Plan Progress Across the U.S.

Explore an interactive map to view state and regional drowning prevention plans supported by The ZAC Foundation.

Interested in building a county or community water safety coalition? Contact the USNWSAP Steering Committee or register for one of their online office hours for guidance.

Region-Based Case Studies

Suffolk County, New York Water Safety Alliance

After a 60% spike in drowning deaths on eastern Long Island between 2023 and 2024, The ZAC Foundation convened experts in Suffolk County to create a water safety alliance. In July 2025, a roundtable at Stony Brook University Hospital brought together over 30 stakeholders and produced the draft for the first-ever Suffolk County Drowning Prevention Action Plan.

Launched in August 2025, the plan is a historic step for drowning prevention on Long Island. Developed in partnership with The ZAC Foundation, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, Stop Drowning Now, health professionals, educators, and first responders, the strategy aligns with the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan and addresses the sharp rise in residential pool drownings regionally.

Initial steps include:

  • Partnering with Stony Brook Medicine to analyze and local drowning data.
  • Working with local school districts and camps to expand swim safety education.
  • Collaborating with Airbnb to share pool safety tips with renters and hosts with pools.
  • Using the social media of alliance members as a vehicle for sharing uniform water safety guidance. 

Download the Suffolk County Water Safety Action Plan

In the News

Orange County, Florida Water Safety Alliance

In 2025, Florida recorded 73 fatal drownings—49 involving children under age 4—with Central Florida experiencing the highest rates in the state. In response, The ZAC Foundation and local partners launched the Orange County Drowning Prevention Action Plan, developed through a roundtable of health officials, first responders, and community advocates.

Led by Children’s Safety Village and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, the plan focuses on public education, enhanced rescue training, and stronger outreach to families to prevent backyard pool drownings.

In the News

Strengthening Safety Through Community Partnerships

Localized drowning prevention task forces are advancing safety with practical, community-driven solutions. Additional initiatives include:

  • Installing clearer signs at lakefronts to warn when lifeguards are off duty or riptides are present.
  • Partnering with after-school programs to introduce water safety curriculums for children.
  • Teaming up with a local utility company to share drowning prevention tips in monthly newsletters.
  • Creating improved tools for task force members to track both fatal and nonfatal drowning incidents.
  • Working with first responders on updated rescue training and equipment.
  • Launching a public education campaign to teach families how to report water emergencies quickly and effectively.
  • Establishing a lakeside life jacket loaner station in Connecticut to promote safe recreation.

Even small steps can create a big impact at the community level. By tailoring water safety strategies to local needs, these partnerships are driving real progress in preventing drownings and protecting lives.