The ZAC Foundation Co-Founders Release Statement Following the Drowning of a Child in California Due to a Drain Entrapment

GREENWICH, Conn. – Co-founders of The ZAC Foundation – a national water safety advocacy organization founded after the drowning of 6-year-old Zachary Archer Cohn after his arm became trapped by the drain in his family’s backyard pool – today released a joint statement following the spa drain entrapment death of a small child in San Bernardino, California.

“Our hearts are broken for the family of the 4-year-old boy who sadly passed away this weekend from a drain entrapment in San Bernardino, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time,” said Karen and Brian Cohn, co-founders of The ZAC Foundation.

“It saddens me that yet another child is lost and another family is torn apart from something that is so preventable. Pools and spas can often harbor hidden dangers that most people are not aware of.  It’s critical that pool and spa builders and maintenance professionals, as well those in the water safety community, continue to educate about these hazards and how to prevent them so a senseless tragedy like this will never occur again.”

The Cohn Family is encouraging pool and spa owners and operators to become water safety advocates to prevent drain entrapments and other water dangers from occurring.

To this end, The Foundation – in partnership with Abbey’s Hope Charitable Foundation – has made available an online tutorial called “Hidden Hazard:  One thing to know before your kids jump in the pool.”  The new tool is designed for families to learn and share with friends and neighbors to help educate about the dangers pool and spa drains pose.

About The ZAC Foundation
The ZAC Foundation was established in 2008 by Brian and Karen Cohn after the loss of their 6-year-old son Zachary Archer Cohn in a pool drain entrapment in their backyard swimming pool.  Through education, advocacy and programming, the Foundation is dedicated to preparing children and families for a lifetime of water safety. By the end of 2014, The ZAC Foundation will have delivered more than 3,500 children with water safety training and swimming instruction through weeklong camps presented in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America called ZAC Camps. The Cohn family has also published their first children’s book about the value of swimming and safe water practices called The Polar Bear Who Couldn’t, Wouldn’t Swim.  To learn more about The ZAC Foundation, connect with us on Facebook and thezacfoundation.org.