Zac Camps promote water safety education in honor of Zachary Archer Cohn

HONOLULU (KHON2) — In commemoration of World Drowning Prevention Day, Zac Camps, named in honor of 6-year-old Zachary Archer Cohn, are making a significant impact by educating children about water safety.

WakeUp2Day’s Chris Latronic reported live from Richardson Pool at Schofield Barracks, where the Zac Foundation’s initiative aims to prevent drowning through crucial safety training.

Latronic spoke with Command Sergeant Major Derek Wise, the senior enlisted advisor for the garrison, who highlighted the collaborative efforts involved in launching the program at Schofield Barracks for the first time.

Alissa Magrum from the Zac Foundation also joined the broadcast to discuss the foundation’s mission and the tragic event that inspired its creation.

“The Zac Foundation was established in 2008 by Karen and Brian Cohn after the tragic loss of their 6-year-old son, Zachary Archer Cohn, due to a pool drain entrapment,” Magrum said. “Since 2011, Zac Camps have aimed to bring swimming lessons to community levels with a dynamic curriculum. In light of the current nationwide lifeguard shortage, it is crucial to enhance water safety education and equip families with essential swimming skills.”

According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause for children ages 1-14.

The disparity is pronounced among Black children, who face a fourfold increased risk of drowning compared to their white peers.

Moreover, 64% of Black children ages 4-18 have minimal swimming ability, a consequence of institutional racism and an inherited fear of drowning.

The Zac Foundation is dedicated to addressing these disparities by offering water safety education and swim lessons to children in at-risk communities across the nation.

The foundation collaborates with organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of Hawaii and Hawaii Child Youth Services to further its mission.

Through its advocacy, partnerships, and Zac Camp programming, the foundation promotes a “Whole Community” approach to drowning prevention.

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By developing regional action plans and contributing to the national drowning prevention strategy, the Zac Foundation aims to significantly reduce drowning rates and save lives.