The ZAC Foundation for Children's Safety

New guidance from the American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirms rescue breaths with #CPR are essential for drowning resuscitation. This differs from the Hands-Only CPR often taught for cardiac events, as drowning victims need immediate oxygen restoration. #DrowningPrevention #PublicSafety #NIPD2024

The hidden dangers in our neighborhoods: ponds are becoming an increasing drowning risk for children, particularly those with autism who are often drawn to water. While many states, like Florida, strictly regulate residential pool fencing, community ponds built for aesthetic purposes often remain completely unregulated. From New York to Florida to Texas, recent tragedies point to a disturbing drowning pattern that demands immediate attention. The solution is clear: mandatory fencing around ALL water features, not just pools. #DrowningPrevention #PublicSafety #ChildSafety

Water safety education saves lives, yet significant disparities exist across gender, age, racial background, socioeconomic status, and geographical location. With 4,500 Americans losing their lives to drowning each year (2019–2022), it is crucial to understand who is most vulnerable in order to better prevent these tragedies in our communities. #DrowningPrevention #PublicSafety #ChildSafety

Broadalbin-Perth Central School District in upstate New York has made water safety education a mandatory part of its P.E. curriculum for its Junior High School students. Through partnerships with the local YMCA and Sacandaga Bible Conference, students receive swimming lessons, a dry-land safety curriculum, and optional hands-on boating safety instruction.   The school even provides swimsuits and towels to ensure every student can participate, recognizing that water safety isn't just an extracurricular—it's an essential life skill.   This is an excellent model for incorporating water safety into junior high programs. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for 5–14-year-olds in the U.S. Let’s encourage more school systems to teach kids the skills they need to stay safe. #DrowningPrevention #ChildSafety #PublicSafety

For the second time this year in the Twin Cities, a child with autism has drowned. This tragic pattern cannot be ignored: children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers. Dayna Harvey is hosting a free virtual seminar on November 15, 2024, at 8 PM EST to educate and empower parents and caregivers of children with autism to keep their kids safe around all types of water environments: https://lnkd.in/eyEax-P7 Additionally, parents of children with autism in Minnesota are signing a petition to mandate free swimming education for all of Minnesota's vulnerable children: https://lnkd.in/eb5F9Dsr Free swimming lessons, stronger water safety measures such as mandatory barriers between homes and pools, fences around retention ponds, and improved safety resources for families are critical actions legislators can enact to prevent these tragedies.

Implementing mandatory water safety education and swim tests in public schools and higher education could be the key to reducing alarming drowning rates in the U.S. No state currently requires water safety curricula in schools, leaving most school districts to handle the issue independently, even though drowning is a leading cause of death among children nationwide. #DrowningPrevention #PublicSafety #ChildSafety

As you head to the polls, remember that elections shape the safety of our communities—especially when it comes to protecting our children. This #ElectionDay, vote for leaders who are committed to keeping kids safe. But our efforts can’t stop there—let’s keep pushing legislators to pass sensible water safety laws, like requiring fences around retention ponds, educating new parents, and including basic safety in school curriculums. #PublicSafety #ChildSafety

At The ZAC Foundation, we love hearing how our ZAC Camps inspire young swimmers. Whether it's helping a child overcome a fear of water or coaching them on how to perfect their flutter kick, we’re proud to play a role in ensuring a child feels safe and strong in the water.   Learn more about the work we do at ZAC Camp at https://lnkd.in/eGi2FD7d.

The Oregonian / OregonLive.com reported that at least 17 people tragically lost their lives in boating-related drownings in Oregon this summer. 70% were men or boys and a majority weren’t wearing life jackets.   While life jackets are legally required for children under 13 on a moving watercraft in every state, they also offer an essential safety layer for adults, regardless of gender or swimming ability. Ashley Massey from the Oregon State Marine Board shared “There’s this idea that it’s ‘not cool to wear a life jacket’ so men die more because of it.”   Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones to these tragic accidents. Let’s stop the stigma and prevent drownings. Lifejackets save lives, but only when they’re worn. #Oregon #DrowningPrevention #PublicSafety

October is #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth. In Texas, swim instructors are working hard to make sure children with #DownSyndrome have equal access to swim lessons.   Christy Baca with Texoma Swim Academy works on an Adaptive Swim Instruction program, where lessons are customized to the needs of each child. #DrowningPrevention #ChildSafety