Despite their grief, parents of Conn. boy who drowned become champions of pool safety

Amid grief, Conn. parents champion pool safety

GREENWICH, Conn. — A Connecticut couple whose son drowned in their swimming pool three years ago have become champions of pool safety.

Karen and Brian Cohn of Greenwich are campaigning for tougher laws and to raise awareness about the dangers that surround pools. Their 6-year-old son, Zachary, drowned on July 28, 2007, after his arm became entangled in a powerful suction drain.

In their first interview since their son’s death, Karen and Brian Cohn said they don’t want another family to endure what they have suffered.

The Cohns, who formed The Zac Foundation in their son’s memory, have been fighting what they say are efforts to weaken pool safety laws.

A spokeswoman for the pool industry denies that industry officials are trying to weaken the laws, saying they advocate the best approach for preventing such tragedies.