Advancing water safety preparedness across the United States.
Water safety is more than a skill — it’s a necessity. Through education, outreach, and innovation, efforts are underway to equip individuals, communities, and organizations with the knowledge and tools to prevent drowning fatalities.
Taking Action for Water Safety
From education programs to new safety innovations, these initiatives are helping communities stay safer on the water.
Kelli Toth
Executive Director, Underway USA, National Water Safety Coalition
Kelli Toth is a nationally recognized leader in drowning prevention and boating safety education. As the Executive Director of Underway USA, she works alongside state, local, federal, and indigenous communities to strengthen water safety initiatives and reduce drowning fatalities.
With a career dedicated to saving lives through education and advocacy, Kelli has been honored with multiple awards for her innovative program design, including the President’s Award and National Boating Safety Educator of the Year. She bridges the gap between public health officials and boating safety professionals, ensuring that every community has the resources and knowledge to ensuring communities have resources needed to improve water safety competancy.
National Leader in Drowning Prevention
Award-Winning Boating Safety Educator
Executive Director, Underway USA
National Water Safety Coalition
Empowering communities with the knowledge and skills to stay safe on the water through education, outreach, and advocacy.
Education & Awareness
Equipping communities with the knowledge and skills to navigate water safely through comprehensive outreach and educational programs.
Instructor Training
Providing specialized training for educators and safety professionals to effectively teach water competency, boating safety, and drowning prevention.
Program Management
Helping organizations understand and implement national safety standards, ensuring effective, compliant, and impactful water safety initiatives.
Driving Innovation & Education in Water Safety
K-12 Personal Floatation Device Education Standard
Establishing a national standard for personal flotation device education in schools, ensuring students develop essential water safety skills from an early age.
Expert Guidance in Boating Education
Serving as a subject matter expert for Recademics, creating a nationally approved online boating safety program that enhances accessibility and knowledge for boaters nationwide.
Innovating Life Jacket Safety
Collaborating with FirstWatch to develop a new U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, designed to improve safety, comfort, and effectiveness in real-world conditions.
Shaping Water Safety Policy
Actively participating on national boards to advance drowning prevention, boating safety education, and water competency initiatives at the highest levels.
Stay Informed and Get Involved!
A new website is on the way, bringing even more resources, updates, and ways to support water safety efforts. Be the first to know when it launches—sign up for updates and stay connected to the latest initiatives and opportunities to get involved.