Key Takeaways from NDPA and Other Water Safety Experts
When it comes to aquatic safety, staying up to date with the latest research, tools, and trends isn’t optional—it’s essential. Each year, organizations like the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) work tirelessly to educate professionals, parents, and policymakers on how to make water safer for everyone. Whether you manage a summer camp lakefront, run a busy YMCA pool, or oversee aquatic risk for multiple locations, staying plugged into these updates could save lives.
Here’s a roundup of what’s new—and what matters—from the latest drowning prevention efforts.
1. Layers of Protection Still Reign Supreme—But Now They’re More Nuanced
The NDPA continues to champion the “Layers of Protection” framework, emphasizing that no single safety measure—lifeguards, fences, alarms or new technology—is enough on its own. What’s changing? The messaging is becoming more facility-specific. For example, NDPA’s new education tools help pool operators understand how layered protection might look different at a public indoor pool versus a camp with a lakefront.
Takeaway: Review your current safety layers and ask yourself: are they tailored to your unique aquatic environment?
2. Technology is Gaining Ground
There’s growing momentum around using technology to assist human supervision. From wearable-based systems already in widespread use to emerging AI-based monitoring systems, evaluating and planning for the use of these tools is becoming more commonplace in professional circles. NDPA and similar experts aren’t promoting any specific solutions, but they’re recognizing the important role technology plays as a support, not a substitute, for trained staff.
Takeaway: Your facility should be exploring safety technology. Start with education. Look for solutions that complement—not replace—your lifeguards.
3. Equity in Water Safety is a Priority
One of the most meaningful shifts is a stronger focus on underserved communities and addressing disparities in drowning rates. NDPA has highlighted that Black children are statistically more likely to drown than their white peers, often due to lack of access to swim lessons or safe water spaces. There’s a renewed push for inclusive swim programming and multilingual safety resources.
Takeaway: Consider how your programs and communication materials serve ALL of your community’s families—especially those most at risk.
4. A Call for Data-Driven Decisions
More facilities are being encouraged to track safety incidents, staff readiness, and near-miss events—not just drownings. This data can inform training, identify blind spots, and support funding requests. Experts recommend going beyond anecdotal feedback and using structured logs and regular safety audits.
Takeaway: If you're not already tracking near misses, consider starting. It’s a low-cost, high-impact step toward smarter prevention.
Staying Current Saves Lives
Drowning is quick and silent—but prevention is proactive. As professionals in this space, we have a responsibility to stay informed, challenge assumptions, and continuously improve. Following NDPA updates, attending conferences, and implementing expert-backed strategies and technologies aren’t just best practices—they’re life-saving ones.
Want to dive deeper into any of these topics? We’ll be covering each in more detail throughout the season. Subscribe below to get updates the moment new tips go live.
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