ZAC Foundation helps over 100 New Jersey children learn to swim during Water Safety Camp

CAMDEN, NJ (CBS) — It’s been a hot summer and many families have been looking for different ways to cool off, but officials say there have been at least five drownings in southern New Jersey in recent weeks. Now, there’s a renewed focus on water safety.

At 11 years old, Sebastian is about to enter sixth grade, but before the summer is over, he is learning to be a stronger swimmer.

“Today we are learning how to stay afloat and turn around in difficult situations,” he said.

Sebastian was one of more than 100 children who participated in the ZAC Foundation’s water safety camp at the Boys and Girls Club of Camden County. The camp combines swimming lessons with classroom instruction.

“The goal is for kids to know how to get in and out of the water safely,” said Megan Ferraro, executive director of the Zac Foundation, “and what they should do if they see someone in the water who is having trouble.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause in children ages 14 and younger.

The camp was founded in 2008 by Zachary Archer Cohn’s parents, Karen and Brian Cohn.

The 6-year-old boy drowned in his Connecticut backyard pool after his arm became trapped in the suction of the pool drain.

The camp also emphasizes safety measures parents can take, including always being within arm’s reach, and encourages things they can do if they have a pool at home.

“If you have a pool in your backyard, put up a four-sided isolation fence, put up those little doorbells you can have on your door so you can hear if the door or window is opened,” Ferraro said.

The camp is helping kids like Sebastian feel more comfortable and confident in the water.

“I’m not very good at some of the skills, but she taught me a couple of others and how to do them better,” Sebastian said. “I feel a lot better about swimming now.”