Mastering the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan: A Guide for Local Leaders

This blog post is a recap of the 2025 AOAP Conference Presentation. 

As we step into the third year of the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan (USNWSAP), there is a growing opportunity—and responsibility—for water safety professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to turn awareness into action. The USNWSAP is not just a document; it’s a national roadmap designed to reduce drowning across the country through targeted, evidence-informed strategies. Whether you’re leading efforts in a small community or shaping policy at the state level, the plan offers a roadmap to creating real, measurable change.

Here’s a breakdown of the plan, why it matters, and how you can start applying its principles today.

The Mission Behind the Plan

The mission of the USNWSAP is clear and urgent: Prevent drowning in the United States through evidence-informed action. Transform the country into a nation where water safety is a natural part of everyday life and people enjoy the benefits of the water, safely. 

To achieve this mission, the USNWSAP works to bring together stakeholders from every level—local, county, state, and national—to create and implement strategies that reduce drowning incidents in the United States. Drowning remains a leading cause of injury-related death, especially for young children and underserved communities. The plan addresses this by fostering collaboration and emphasizing data-driven, community-specific solutions.

A Vision for a Safer Nation

At its core, the vision of the USNWSAP is a United States where everyone is safe in, on, and around water. That includes swimming in backyard pools, paddling in lakes, or boating in coastal waters—all with equitable access to safety resources, education and training, and protective measures.

What’s Inside the Plan? 

The USNWSAP is a 10-year plan (2023–2032) built around five evidence-based areas: 

1. Barriers, Entrapment, and Electrocution

2. Lifeguards and Supervision

3. Life Jackets, Personal Flotation Devices, and Other Flotation

4. Rescue and CPR

5. Water Safety, Water Competency, and Swimming Lessons

6. 
   

These strategies are supported by robust recommendations in a sixth area, Data and Public Health Surveillance. The plan helps leaders develop context-specific plans using an adaptable framework, tools, and guidance that reflect local needs.

One of the plan’s key features is its Reflection to Action guidance document—featuring a step-by-step process to help local parties assess current water safety efforts, identify gaps, and implement targeted interventions.

A National Framework with Local Flexibility

While the USNWSAP sets national priorities, its strength lies in local application. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it encourages:

• Use of local data to understand drowning risks

• Collaboration across sectors, such as schools, parks, health departments, nonprofits, and emergency services personnel

• Creative funding approaches and resource-sharing

• Community engagement to elevate diverse voices

  
  

It also includes a Database of 98 Evidence-Informed Action Recommendations.

National Support for Local Success

To ensure success at every level, the plan outlines “National Implications”—actions that national organizations, agencies, and coalitions can take up to support local efforts.

Examples of these include:

• Standardizing data collection

• Advocating for minimum national standards for swim instruction, lifeguard certification, and other safety measures

• Developing advocacy toolkits and model legislation

• Encouraging federal investment in water safety programs

  
  

These top-down initiatives are essential for unlocking funding, aligning priorities, and ensuring that local communities have the support they need. 

Tools You Can Use Today

One of the most powerful aspects of the USNWSAP is its digital presence. The website, www.watersafetyplan.us, launched in January 2025, is a centralized hub packed with actionable tools: 

• Explore Recommendations by keyword or strategy

• Access the Reflection to Action toolkit

• Explore and register for Office Hours

• View recorded educational content

• Stay updated on educational opportunities and webinars by signing up for the USNWSAP newsletter and following the Plan on social media

  • Instagram @usnwsap

  • Facebook @uswatersafetyplan

  • LinkedIn @U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan

• Share your state, county, and community planning efforts

• Donate in support of the Plan’s agenda

  
  

Whether you are building a coalition from scratch or refining an existing program, the site provides a user-friendly entry point for engagement and impact.

How to Get Started

If you’re ready to take the next step, here’s a simple framework for engagement: 

• Collaborate: Bring together partners—fire departments, school districts, learn-to-swim programs, etc.—to begin planning collaboratively. 

• Reflect: Review your current programs, waterscapes, and data. Where are the gaps? What communities are most at risk?

• Explore: Dive into the USNWSAP recommendations and resources. Find tools that align with your goals.

• Act: Implement evidence-informed strategies and measure your results.

• Contribute: Share your successes and challenges. Your local story can help shape national priorities.

Join the Movement

Engaging with the USNWSAP and developing a local strategy does not require a mandate or massive budget. It requires passion, purpose, and a willingness to collaborate across sectors. Every local action contributes to a national movement—and every life saved is a step toward the vision of a safer, more water-aware America.

Have questions or want help getting started? Contact the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan at info@watersafetyplan.us.

Together, we can build a United States where everyone is safe in, on, and around water.

Learn more and access the full plan at www.watersafetyplan.us.