ZaZa’s Legacy: Ending Preventable Choking Deaths in Australia
Every year, lives are lost to choking incidents that could have been prevented with the right knowledge, tools, and policies. ZaZa’s Legacy exists to change that.
The Heart of Our Mission
A Day at the Beach That Changed Everything
On 15 January 2024, the sun was shining over Iluka Foreshore Park in Perth. Families gathered, children laughed, and among them was 22-month-old Zaire “ZaZa” Bwoga — a spirited toddler with a cheeky grin and an adventurous heart.
He was playing near the water’s edge, enjoying the day with his father, Brian, his older brother, Alessandro, and a friend and her young child. It was the kind of day you don’t think twice about. Until everything changed.
In a moment of innocent sharing, one of the children offered ZaZa some grapes. Within seconds, joy and laughter turned to panic. ZaZa began to choke.
Brian — trained in CPR and always vigilant about food safety — rushed to his son’s aid. He managed to remove one grape, but another remained lodged in his throat.
Police were the first responders on the scene. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts to help, they did not have the specialised tools required to remove the airway obstruction.
After 20 agonising minutes waiting for an ambulance — and doing everything he could to save him — ZaZa passed away in his father’s arms.
Our Vision
A safer Australia where no life is lost to preventable choking
We envision a future where every space is equipped, every person is informed, and choking is no longer a silent killer.
Through action, education, and advocacy, we work tirelessly to eliminate preventable tragedies — one life and one community at a time.Through action, education, and advocacy, we work tirelessly to eliminate preventable tragedies — one life, one community at a time.
To end preventable choking deaths in Australia.
Our Mission
by driving awareness, providing life-saving tools, and pushing for policy change. ZaZa’s Legacy exists to make every second count — turning education into empowerment, and grief into lasting impact.
Silence costs lives. Awareness saves them.
Action
Awareness is important — but we know that action is what saves lives. We champion real tools and real change, not just conversation.
Legacy
ZaZa’s story is the spark, but this mission is for everyone. We honour all lives lost to choking through purpose-driven change.
Community
We believe in collective responsibility, collaborating with partners, supporters, and Australians to create safer systems.
Compassion
Our work is rooted in empathy, driven by urgency, and carried out with strength — because saving lives demands all three.
Transparency
We show where every dollar goes, every milestone reached, and every story shared. Integrity is our foundation.
Safe Schools
Every learning environment equipped and trained for choking response.
Equipped Cities
Life-saving devices installed across public spaces in every council.
Public Education
Nationwide campaigns and first-response training.
National Policy
Legislation supporting choking prevention initiatives.
Evidence-Based Innovation
Using research and data to improve prevention methods.
Community Partnerships
Working with leaders and organisations to drive lasting change.
From Grief to Advocacy
Brian’s Mission
In the aftermath of unimaginable loss, Brian made a decision.
If this tragedy could happen to his family, it could happen to anyone.
Determined to prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak, Brian began speaking publicly about choking prevention and the importance of emergency tools.
That search led him to LifeVac — a portable anti-choking device designed to clear airway obstructions when traditional first aid methods fail.
Brian believes that if such a device had been available that day, his son might still be here.
ZaZa’s Law
A Call for National Change
Brian’s advocacy led to real, tangible change. The City of Joondalup became the first council in Australia to install LifeVac devices across 38 community venues — including beaches, libraries, and parks. One now stands just metres from where ZaZa lost his life, serving as both a symbol of what’s been lost and a tool for what can be saved.
But Brian didn’t stop there.
He launched a national petition known as “ZaZa’s Law,” calling for mandatory choking hazard warnings on grape packaging and signage near loose produce displays. Grapes are one of the leading choking hazards for children under five — yet there are no standard warnings in place. A simple label could save a life. That’s the change he’s fighting for.
Our Impact So Far
Every number represents lives protected.
Devices Installed
35+
Across Joondalup schools, markets & gyms
Devices Installed
14
Throughout the City of Vincent in key locations
Devices Deployed
6
In high-traffic areas across Rockingham
School Proctected
5
Teachers trained. Devices ready. Lives prepared.
Sponsored
20+
Community members funding LifeVacs devices
Signatures
10K
Calling for nationwide safety reform
Councils Supporting the Movement
Councils On Board
These local councils have officially joined the movement to make choking prevention standard in public spaces.
Joondalup
Vincent
Rockingham
Jerramungup
Swan
Wanneroo
Stories from the Frontline
Choking can happen anywhere, to anyone, in an instant. Every LifeVac donated, every conversation shared, and every volunteer hour brings us closer to a future where no one has to face that moment alone. ZaZa’s Legacy is driven by everyday Australians who chose to act.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, business owner or council member—your time, voice or support can help create a nationwide shift in how we respond to choking emergencies.
“Thanks to ZaZa’s Legacy, we feel confident knowing our staff are trained and equipped to respond immediately.”
“This is not just policy. This is personal. This is ZaZa.”
“Safety isn’t optional. It’s the new standard.”
Impact Report
Explore the full breakdown of our milestones, progress, and next steps. Transparency and trust guide everything we do.
5476+
Life Saved by Life Vac
1703+
LifeVac Kit Distribute
10830
Signed ZaZa's Law
Champions of Change
United by purpose and fuelled by compassion, this is the team transforming grief into life-saving action.
Get in Touch
Follow, Share & Help Us Save Lives
Every time you follow, like, comment or share, you're helping save lives. Literally.
Social algorithms prioritise content that gets engagement. So when you interact with ZaZa's Legacy, you help push our message in front of more parents, carers, educators, and community leaders — those who need to hear it most.
It's one click. One follow. But it tells the world: this matters. And it reminds grieving families that they're not alone.