Drowning is silent, and can happen in as fast as 30 seconds
Almost 70% of childhood drownings happen during non-swim times
88% of child drownings occur with at least 1 adult present
We lose 10 school buses of children to unintentional drownings each year
Drowning is Preventable
United, We Can Prevent the Tragedy of Drowning
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the incidence of drowning and preventing tragedy around water. The statistics are staggering, and drowning doesn’t discriminate. The NDPA as a non profit relies on the support of the general public. By donating to the NDPA you help support our mission and keep us as a leading organization in ending the tragedy of drowning.
Know the 5 Layers of Protection
Prevent the tragedy of drowning by implementing the 5 layers of protection.
Barriers & Alarms
BARRIERS & ALARMS — It's important to use four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool safety covers, and alarm systems, to help prevent children and unauthorized adults from accessing water unsupervised.
Learn More About Barriers & Alarms
Supervision
SUPERVISION — Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings with close, constant, and capable adult supervision from a designated water watcher or lifeguard anytime children are in or around water.
Learn More About Supervision
Water Competency
WATER COMPETENCY — Every child and adult should be equipped with the skills to protect themselves in water by learning and enhancing their basic water safety skills to reduce the risk of drowning and aquatic-related injuries.
Learn More About Water Competency
Life Jackets
LIFE JACKETS — When used appropriately, life jackets protect you when you are not expecting to be in the water, especially around open water. Ensure your life jackets are tested & approved by the USCG.
Learn More About Life Jackets
Emergency Preparation
EMERGENCY PREPARATION — Knowing how to prepare for an emergency with CPR training with rescue breaths and basic water rescue skills can make the difference between life and death. Have a phone available and ready to call 911.
Learn More About Emergency Prep.
Layers Work Together
LAYERS OF PROTECTION — Water safety isn’t just during swim time. Each layer should be used together when in or around water to help reduce the risk of drowning. You never know which layer will save a life.
Learn More About Layers
Thank You Platinum Seal Holders
For your Commitment to Safer Waters
NDPA is proud to recognize our Platinum Seal Holders for their outstanding commitment to protecting lives through innovation, education, and advocacy. These companies and organizations have taken meaningful action to create, support and promote safer waters.
Thank You To Our Sponsors & Partners
In Preventing the Tragedy of Drowning
Participate In Partner Programs
The Autism Society’s Safety on the Spectrum™: Water and Wandering Program is a national effort to increase water safety education and training across the Autism community. The program works to not only prevent wandering-related tragedies, but to increase water safety skills among Autistic individuals and their families.
The Life Jacket Association (LJA) is dedicated to increasing life jacket wear in all appropriate activities: through education, product innovation, standards development, and enhancing communication between members and stakeholders. The LJA Life Jacket Technician course was developed for those wanting to learn more about proper life jacket selection, fitting, and maintenance.
To see more of our Partner Resources, visit our Teacher Toolkit.
Media Partners
Thank you for your support in water safety & drowning prevention!
