The ZAC Foundation for Children's Safety

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we’re recognizing the incredible women making a difference in water safety and drowning prevention. At The ZAC Foundation, we’re proud to be led by Founder Karen Cohn and Executive Director Megan McGreal Ferraro, whose dedication to education, advocacy, and action is helping to create a safer world for all children. Join us in celebrating the women who are shaping the future of water safety!

Across the country, pools and beaches have closed or reduced schedules as a result of a five-year long national lifeguard shortage. Becoming a lifeguard enables local swimming spots to stay open and safe. Now is the time to become a certified before Summer 2025! Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is one employer offering incentives for joining their lifeguarding team. The ZAC Foundation encourages eligible teenagers and adults?to consider this rewarding summer opportunity. Contact your local recreation department or swim club to learn about recruitment in your area! #DrowningPrevention #PublicSafety #ChildSafety

Drowning rates are rising for the first time in decades. And for Black and Latino children, the risk is even higher. Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones OLY nearly drowned at 5 years old. A lifeguard saved him, and swim lessons changed his future. But too many kids don’t get that second chance. - 64% of Black children & 45% of Latino children have little to no swimming skills. - Formal swim lessons reduce drowning risk by 88%. Swimming isn’t a privilege—it’s a necessity. We must break barriers, fund lessons, and ensure every child learns this life-saving skill. Read Cullen’s story: https://lnkd.in/dUEuWVSs

Cold water kayak fishing requires serious safety precautions—water below 50°F can be life-threatening within minutes. As highlighted in Sports Illustrated ‘s January 2025 guide, The National Center for Cold Water Safety's research shows proper gear and preparation are crucial: always wear a fitted personal flotation device, dress for water temperature (not air), and test your survival gear beforehand. Join The ZAC Foundation in promoting these essential water safety practices. Your life depends on proper preparation. #DrowningPrevention #PublicSafety?

At just 17, Alex Roche proved that proper training and quick thinking can save lives. While on duty at Hammond Park Pool in Maryland, he spotted a young boy with a cast struggling in the water after jumping from a diving board. His American Red Cross lifeguard training kicked in immediately - like 'muscle memory,' as he describes it. Alec's swift response led to a successful rescue, earning him the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award. As Nadine McCrindle, interim CEO of the Red Cross National Capital and Greater Chesapeake region, noted: 'There is a young person who is here on Earth because of you.' Stories like Alec's are why we advocate for comprehensive water safety measures, and properly trained lifeguards at all swimming facilities. #DrowningPrevention #PublicSafety #ChildSafety

The recent experience of a Wisconsin triathlete in Hawaii reminds us of the hidden danger of rip currents. On what seemed like a calm day, he found himself caught in a rip current and, in a matter of seconds, was pulled over 100 yards from shore. ? Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of water that move quickly at up to 8 feet per second—faster than an Olympic swimmer. Matt Jacobus’ story serves as a crucial reminder: rip currents can happen even in perfect weather and can endanger even seasoned athletes.? ? How to stay safe: - Know the signs: Look for gaps in breaking waves, foamy or discolored water, or flat areas in the surf. - Stay calm if caught: Flip onto your back, float and follow the current, rather than swim against it. If you’re able, swim parallel to shore to get out of the current or wave to shore for help. - Swim near lifeguards and never swim on an unsupervised beach. - Check conditions: Always review forecasts before heading out. ? Rip currents claim lives every year. Let’s commit to spreading awareness and saving lives.

Last week, the 38th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet, hosted by DC Department of Parks and Recreation and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, brought together nearly 1,100 young athletes in Washington, DC. What began in 1987 as a local competition has evolved into the world's premier minority swim meet—breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation. For three days, athletes aged 5–18 competed, connected, and proved what’s possible when all communities have access to swimming and water safety. Let’s keep the momentum going—support swim programs, advocate for water safety, and make swimming accessible to all. #BlackHistoryMonth #DrowningPrevention

A huge congratulations to the?Hawaii Water Safety Coalition (Jessamy Town Hornor, Allison Schaefers, and Sarah Fairchild)?on the launch of the state’s first-ever water safety plan. The plan,?I Palekana Kakou ka Wai: Let Us Be Safe in the Water?will be a major step forward in addressing Hawaii’s drowning crisis. Hawaii has the second highest drowning rate in the U.S., trailing only Alaska. Learn more:?https://lnkd.in/eyuBKHgv Photo credit: Hawaii Water Safety Coalition

Today, February 20, would have been Zachary’s 24th birthday. We can’t help but imagine the young man he would’ve become – perhaps channeling that childhood fascination with how things work into a career or still asking thoughtful questions that made him uniquely Zachary. Our little boy’s legacy lives on in the work of The ZAC Foundation, as we strive every day to increase access to water safety education to all. Learn more about Zachary’s story at https://lnkd.in/df5eqJe6

Swimming champions come in many forms—from Olympic medalists to grassroots advocates. This Black History Month, we celebrate three individuals who are changing history when it comes to providing access to water safety and swim lessons. Cullen Jones OLY, the first African-American World Record holder in the 50-meter freestyle. Through his work with the USA SWIMMING FOUNDATION, he's helped reduce the percentage of African-Americans who can't swim from 70% to 64%. Since launching Black People Will Swim (BPWS) in 2019, Paulana Lamonier has provided free and low-cost swimming lessons to over 2,500 people of color in New York, with the aim of dismantling stereotypes about Black people and swimming. Ray Rickman created Stages of Freedom to offer free swim lessons to Black and low-income youth. His program has taught 2,600 children essential water safety skills, and he's now working to build a $20-million Olympic pool facility to expand access. Water safety is for everyone. These leaders are breaking down barriers, building confidence, and saving lives. #BlackHistoryMonth #DrowningPrevention #ChildSafety