An Educational Force for Global Drowning Prevention
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is at the forefront of drowning prevention and serves as a critical educational resource across the United States and globally. The organization’s multifaceted approach emphasizes research, public awareness, policy advocacy, and innovative safety equipment to combat the devastating impact of drowning, particularly among children.
Addressing a Growing Crisis
Record levels of childhood drownings underscore the urgency of NDPA’s mission. Children face heightened risks during summer, making NDPA’s #WaterSafetyChampion campaign more vital than ever. The campaign seeks to dismantle dangerous myths about drowning, emphasizing that no single strategy is sufficient to prevent such tragedies.
“Perhaps the most important thing to dispel is the myth that one prevention strategy is enough,” says Adam Katchmarchi, PhD., NDPA’s executive director. “We want to put information and resources about the need for five layers of protection directly into the hands of parents and communities.”
Implementing Comprehensive Prevention Strategies
NDPA advocates the “Five Layers of Protection,” a comprehensive approach to saving lives. These include:
- Barriers and alarms to prevent unauthorized access to water.
- Supervision by a designated water watcher or lifeguard.
- Water competency training to equip children with essential safety skills.
- Life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Emergency response preparedness, including CPR and rescue skills.
Dr. Julie Gilchrist, NDPA’s chief medical advisor, emphasizes the importance of adopting all five layers. “Drowning can happen in many ways, such as when not swimming,” she shares. “This is just one example of why no means of protection is enough.”
Building Awareness Through Collaboration 
NDPA’s impactful collaborations include partnerships with social media influencers and children’s swimwear designers, directly integrating critical water safety information into everyday life. By working alongside pediatricians, epidemiologists, and aquatic education experts, NDPA ensures its message is scientifically sound and broadly accessible.
“I hear ‘I didn’t know’ from families of fatal and non-fatal drowning victims all the time,” Katchmarchi notes. “The good news is that drownings ARE preventable.”
A Legacy of Impact and Growth
Since its inception, NDPA has significantly expanded its presence in national and local drowning prevention efforts. By continuing to educate, advocate, and innovate, NDPA honors those lost and actively works to prevent future tragedies.
NDPA encourages everyone to visit its website, follow it on Facebook, educate others, and consider donating to support its crucial mission.
CONTACT National Drowning Prevention Alliance 
Telephone: 800-757-9270
Email: socialmedia@ndpa.org
Website: https://ndpa.org/
Facebook: @National Drowning Prevention Alliance
Instagram: @drownalliance
Location: 100 W Main St, Ste 4, Tustin, CA, United States, California
