The Basics
- Water safety is a community responsibility. No single family can tackle drowning prevention alone — it takes neighbors, schools, faith communities, and local organizations working together.
- Emma’s Project volunteers are dedicated to preventing drowning and promoting safe water practices through education, outreach, and action.
- Community programs like safety fairs, water safety card distribution, and school presentations are proven ways to spread life-saving knowledge.
- Many communities lack adequate access to affordable swim lessons, especially in underserved areas. Advocacy and funding can close that gap.
- WEBSITE: National Water Safety — resources for building water-safe communities
- WEBSITE: Colin’s Hope — water safety advocacy and community education programs
Action Items
- Volunteer with Emma’s Project or a local water safety organization. Teaching swim lessons, staffing safety events, and distributing resources all make a real difference.
- Host or organize a water safety fair at your school, church, or community center.
- Advocate for affordable swim lesson access in your city — contact your local parks and recreation department, YMCA, or school district.
- Share water safety resources on social media to spread awareness in your network. Use hashtags like #WaterSafety and #DrowningPrevention.
- Donate to organizations like Emma’s Project to fund scholarships for swim lessons for families who can’t afford them.
- RESOURCE: American Red Cross Swim Lessons — find programs near you
Dive Deeper
- According to a survey by the American Red Cross, more than 54% of Americans either can’t swim or don’t have all the basic swimming skills needed to stay safe in the water.
- Communities with more public pools and affordable swimming programs have measurably lower drowning rates. Investing in aquatic infrastructure saves lives.
- Schools can play a powerful role: some states have adopted mandatory swim education in physical education curriculums. Advocate for swim education in your local schools.
- ARTICLE: USA Swimming: Swim Safety Survey
- ORGANIZATION: Water Safety USA — a coalition working to reduce drowning nationally