Note & Float - Aquatic Safety Research Group

10/08/2026

In the latest episode of "The Drowning Files," we take a closer look at a river rafting trip where a raft overturns, highlighting the dangers of moving water.

This episode explores the risks associated with river rafting, the importance of wearing life jackets, and the essential water safety precautions that can help prevent accidents and drowning incidents.

🎧 Listen to Episode 94: River Rafting Trip on Spotify.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/drowningfiles/episodes/Episode-94---River-Rafting-Trip-e3pa2be

A raft flips during a rafting trip. Life jackets are needed. Learn the risks of the river water.

09/14/2026

In a recent episode of the "Drowning Files:, we take a closer look at the tragic drowning death of actor Matthew Perry.

This episode examines the circumstances surrounding his death and the important lessons it can offer about drowning risk, prevention, and water safety.

🎧 Listen to Episode 93: Matthew Perry Drowning on Spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1X96lXV7PUJk1j0dQKBFjF

The Drowning Files · Episode

08/19/2026

Important awareness release featuring former NC State swimmer and coach Jack Roney.

Underwater hypoxic blackout can happen without warning... even to strong, experienced swimmers.

Understanding the risks and prevention measures can save lives.

Please read and share.

https://underwaterhypoxicblackout.org/jack-roney-underwater-hypoxic-blackout/

07/07/2026

We are excited to announce the launch of the new Aquatic Safety Research Group Online Certification Platform!

https://courses.aquaticsafetygroup.com/

A new resource designed to help aquatic professionals, property managers, hotels, apartments, HOAs, and aquatic facilities improve safety through practical, research-based training.

For decades, Dr. Tom Griffiths has been recognized as one of the leading voices in aquatic safety and drowning prevention. Together with Dr. Rachel Griffiths, we have developed a growing library of online certification courses that focus on one goal:

Helping prevent incidents before they happen.

Unlike traditional compliance training, our certifications emphasize real-world risk reduction, practical decision-making, and strategies that can be implemented immediately in aquatic facilities

Available Courses

- Swim at Your Own Risk Pool Safety Certification

- Five-Minute Scanning Strategy Certification

- Shallow Water Blackout Certification

- Disappearing Dummies Certification

- Aquatic Risk Management (ARM) Certification (coming soon)

Courses include:

- Self-paced online learning

- Practical, real-world instruction

- Knowledge assessments

- Downloadable resources and checklists

- Personalized Certificate of Completion

Whether you operate a municipal pool, waterpark, apartment complex, hotel, HOA, country club, camp, school, or aquatic center, these courses are designed to strengthen safety programs while helping reduce risk and liability.

This is just the beginning.

We are actively developing additional certifications covering surveillance, emergency response, aquatic operations, facility management, and drowning prevention.

We invite you to explore the platform and share it with colleagues who are committed to making aquatic facilities safer.

View the platform here: https://courses.aquaticsafetygroup.com/

Together, we can continue advancing aquatic safety through education, prevention, and practical risk management.

05/18/2026

Each year, drowning claims the lives of thousands worldwide... many of them children, and many in preventable situations.

As we recognize Water Safety Month, Aquatic Safety Research Group encourages everyone to take a moment to think about the role we all play in keeping people safe in and around the water.

Water safety is not just a conversation for lifeguards or aquatic professionals. It involves parents, caregivers, facility operators, swim instructors, and anyone who spends time near pools, lakes, beaches, or water attractions.

This month is an important reminder to:

- Talk to children and families about water safety.

- Never assume someone else is watching the water.

- Support and properly train lifeguards and aquatic staff.

- Encourage ongoing in-service training and emergency readiness.

- Stay alert to changing water conditions and swimmer behavior.

- For weak and inexperienced swimmers to wear USCG-approved lifejackets in ALL bodies of water.

Preparedness, education, and proactive safety measures can make a life-saving difference.

If your facility is interested in additional training, resources, or safety support, here are a few INNOVATIVE programs and resources available to you:

Facility Safety Evaluations & Audits (On-Site or Virtual): https://aquaticsafetygroup.com/services/

The Complete Swimming Pool Reference, 3rd Edition: https://sagamorepub.com/products/the-complete-swimming-pool-reference-3rd-ed

Safer Beaches: https://us.humankinetics.com/products/safer-beaches-pdf

Dr. Tom’s Lifeguard Vision App: https://drtomslifeguardvision.com/

Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention Certification: https://certification.underwaterhypoxicblackout.org/

Take A Breath Seth: https://takeabreathseth.com/

Dr. Tom's Lifeguard Chronicles: https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Toms-Lifeguard-Chronicles-Griffiths/dp/1662940491

Let Water Safety Month be more than awareness... let it inspire action, education, preparedness, and prevention throughout the entire swim season.

Stay safe, stay alert, and have a safe swim season!

Dr. Tom's Lifeguard Chronicles

04/17/2026

New Podcast Episode is Live!

We’re joined by special guest Madison Marchegiano, who shares a powerful and emotional story behind why she started her foundation after the tragic drowning of a childhood friend, C**t.

This episode is about more than a story... it’s about awareness, prevention, and saving lives.

A must-listen for anyone around water, families, and safety advocates

Listen here on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5cUJiNRr926ldu1MMKsrav?si=1jkkQcpGRJiQzFkHjfi3wQ

The Drowning Files · Episode

03/09/2026

For decades, Aquatic Safety Research Group has been committed to one mission: preventing drowning through education, research, and practical training.

Today we’re proud to announce something important.

Aquatic Safety Research Group has partnered with Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention to launch the official Underwater Hypoxic Blackout (UHB) Certification Course.

Underwater Hypoxic Blackout (formerly known as shallow water blackout) remains one of the most misunderstood and preventable drowning risks in aquatics.

This new certification equips aquatic professionals to:

✔ Recognize the warning signs

✔ Prevent dangerous breath-holding behaviors

✔ Implement safer training alternatives

✔ Respond correctly in emergency situations

✔ Establish facility-wide prevention protocols

The training includes:

• The science behind UHB and loss of consciousness

• The evolution from Shallow Water Blackout to Underwater Hypoxic Blackout

• Recognizing dangerous breath-holding practices

• Safer training alternatives for swimmers

• Emergency response protocols

• Facility prevention standards and signage

The course also includes video instruction, interactive learning tools, real-world case studies, and the powerful documentary “Don’t Hold Your Breath,” sharing Chandler Watson’s story.

Upon completion, participants receive a digital certification for professional records and training documentation.

If you are a coach, lifeguard, aquatic director, facility operator, or swim parent, this course was built for you.

Start today.
Lead prevention in your community.
Help stop preventable drownings from UHB.

Enroll now: https://certification.underwaterhypoxicblackout.org

Together, we can ensure every breath counts... safely.

12/18/2025

Dr. Tom’s Lifeguard Vision helps train the eye to recognize real drowning behaviors — the ones that are often missed.

Try the FREE app and experience the scenarios for yourself:

🔗 https://drtomslifeguardvision.com/

📱 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.game.lifeguardvision

📱 iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dr-toms-lifeguard-vision/id6468658824

(No equipment needed. Designed for awareness and training.)

12/04/2025

The Drowning Files Episode 86: Left on the Beach

A couple walked away from their baby at the beach. Action was taken quickly from bystanders.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7BO8OnL3JFCHoo0VLjkVzg

Each week, we analyze real-life aquatic lawsuits and incidents, offering practical takeaways for both aquatic professionals and parents/caregivers.

12/02/2025

It’s Giving Tuesday!

Since 2014, Note & Float Life Jacket Fund has helped children across the country learn to float before they swim... building safety awareness in the water.

Today, your generosity keeps that momentum going.

Every gift equips pools with U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets and supports trusted, evidence-based water-safety education.

Please join us and make today count!

Donate now for Giving Tuesday: https://noteandfloatlifejackets.org/donate.html

With heartfelt thanks,

Aquatic Safety Research Group
Note & Float Life Jacket Fund
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization | EIN: 46-5263998