Every year on July 25, communities around the world observe World Drowning Prevention Day – a global effort initiated by the United Nations and the World Health Organization to address the preventable tragedy of drowning. This day signals that drowning is one of the top causes of accidental death, particularly among children, yet with shared action it’s a crisis we can halt.
What is World Drowning Prevention Day?
World Drowning Prevention Day is a UN‑recognised observance that highlights the scale of drowning deaths worldwide—over 236,000 people annually—and promotes effective prevention methods. It brings together governments, health organisations, safety professionals, educators, and communities to share stories, tools, and strategies for water safety.
When is World Drowning Prevention Day?
The observance is held each year on July 25. In 2026, that date falls on a Friday. In the lead‑up and on the day itself, many communities stage events—like safety fairs, poolside demos, water skills training, and awareness campaigns—designed to empower people to stay safe near water.
Why World Drowning Prevention Day Matters
Drowning is often silent and swift—a person can struggle on the surface for as little as 20 seconds before submersion. It disproportionately affects children under 14, especially in low‑income regions. Most tragedies are preventable through basic measures like swimming education, active supervision, and access to rescue tools.
The 2026 campaign theme, Your story can save a life, encourages individuals and organisations to share personal experiences or lessons learned—knowing that stories can spark change, encourage policy action, and build community resilience.
How to Get Involved
- Share your story: Talk about lessons learned, survival experiences or community efforts that prevented drowning, using hashtags #DrowningPrevention and #WorldDrowningPreventionDay.
- Learn to swim and float: Enrol children and adults in survival swimming or “Find Your Float” sessions. Learning to float calmly can save lives.
- Attend or host events: Join local open days, first-aid demos or workshops on water safety at pools, lakes or community centres.
- Practice safe habits: Never swim alone, avoid alcohol near water, check weather and tide conditions, and use proper lifejackets or throw lines.
- Advocate policy: Support local and national campaigns for safe water access, barriers, lifeguards, rescue tools and child‑guarded zones.
History of World Drowning Prevention Day
In April 2021, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring July 25 as World Drowning Prevention Day to scale up global action against drowning. This followed decades of advocacy by the WHO and lifesaving organisations. Since then, governments and communities around the world have joined forces each year to reinforce water safety and expand public education.
Noteworthy Facts
- Drowning is among the top three causes of injury-related death globally, especially among children aged 1–14.
- Over 85% of drownings are preventable using common safety measures like supervision, swim skills and rescue knowledge.
- The theme for 2026 encourages sharing personal experiences—“Your story can save a life.”
- New campaigns such as “Find Your Float” in the UK and Australia focus on the power of floating as a survival skill.
- Local groups worldwide—including sea rescue services and schools—are running free training events and awareness days.
Hashtags
#WorldDrowningPreventionDay, #DrowningPrevention, #WaterSafety, #YourStoryCanSaveALife
Links
Related Events
February 1 - February 27
February 1 - February 27
February 3 - February 8
February 3 - February 8
