“You don’t hear much about the dangers associated with swimming, boating, or even just playing in or near water,” says the 16-year-old high school junior. “But when you start researching it, you see that most deaths associated with drowning are easily preventable through education.”

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury and death among children. This staggering statistic, coupled with the death of two peers who were swimming in Lake Washington, inspired Kang to take action. She teamed up with Children’s Hospital to develop a water safety program, identifying the root causes of drowning and developing preventative tools. She also organizes and participates in an annual lifejacket fashion show geared at encouraging kids to wear the jackets. “It takes no time at all to put on a lifejacket, and it can have a real impact,” explains Kang. “If we can get that message out there, we can save lives.”

—Amy Besunder