New Jersey Water Safety Strategy

On June 17th, New Jersey Water Safety Alliance launched the New Jersey Water Safety Strategy, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing drownings in the Garden State by 30% by 2030. After nearly three years of dedicated work from 200 water safety advocates, NJ has become the third state in the U.S. to implement a specific plan for water safety. Spearheaded by the New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance, this initiative highlights the importance of prioritizing water safety in our communities once again.

The strategy launch was held at the Croc Center in Camden and was attended by members of the NJSSA community, which included commercial partners, water parks, facility owners, swim schools, community activists, recreation specialists, and other aquatic professionals. We were most gratified, however, with the support of families who have lost loved ones to drowning. 

Curlie Jackson lent her support and message, inspired by the loss of her 15-year-old grandson, Naisere LaDonn Nelson, not to swim without a lifeguard. Connie Ercol, who established the Victoria Ercol Memorial Foundation after the loss of her 14-month-old daughter to drowning, shared her story. These tragedies illustrate the importance of the New Jersey Water Safety Strategy and the need to make progress.   

The New Jersey Water Safety Strategy is a living document that can be found on our website. We plan to revisit this document each year at the Garden State Water Safety Summit as we make progress toward our state goals. This year, the Summit will address access issues, including the lifeguard shortages, which you have identified as one of the most considerable barriers to safety in NJ. 

In a special section titled “NJ Water Safety Achievements, Innovations, and Inspirations,” we celebrate the hard work and vision of individuals and organizations dedicated to this cause. We want to feature your story too! Please join us to make this document as comprehensive and representative as possible. We are “Jersey Proud” of this historic effort and hope it inspires others to join our mission.

Join us in spreading the word! Check out the press coverage by searching “NJ Water Safety Strategy,” and share this initiative with your friends, family, and on social media. Together, let’s make water safety a priority and strive for a safer future for all New Jerseyans!