April 2, 2026
(Excerpt from March 2026, Q1 Newsletter; Letter from the Board Chair)
As we move into spring, momentum around the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan (USNWSAP) continues to grow—thanks to your leadership, collaboration, and ongoing commitment to preventing drowning and promoting water safety strategies nationwide.
This season marks an exciting new chapter for the Plan’s leadership. We are pleased to share that Connie Harvey is our new Chair of the Steering Committee. Connie brings decades of experience in injury prevention and community safety, along with a deep commitment to advancing water safety at both the national and local levels. Her leadership within the American Red Cross and across multiple safety initiatives helped shape effective, community-centered approaches to drowning prevention, and we are grateful for her continued dedication to this work.
We are also proud to share a major milestone: the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan officially established its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. This achievement marks an important step forward in strengthening the organization’s long-term sustainability, governance, and capacity to expand its national impact.
As part of this transition, we are pleased to announce the appointment of inaugural board leadership. Joining me [Chair, Megan Ferraro], on the Board are David Bell as Vice Chair Pro Tem and Morag MacKay as Treasurer Pro Tem. Morag contributes deep expertise in global water safety and international program development; and David offers a strong background in public safety leadership and operational strategy. Together, the inaugural board will provide a well-rounded foundation for the USNWSAP’s future.
Together, we are moving closer to a nation where water safety is a natural part of everyday life, and everyone can enjoy the benefits of water—safely.
Learn more about the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan at www.watersafetyplan.us.