World Drowning Prevention Day
Anyone can drown, no one should.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to World Drowning Prevention Day 2024!

On 25 July, communities from across the globe came together to highlight World Drowning Prevention Day.

A special thank you to everyone who supported World Drowning Prevention Day and raised awareness across Australia.

Drowning is preventable. By coming together, we can raise awareness of the importance of drowning prevention and eliminate preventable drowning deaths.

Our work doesn’t stop here. Please continue to share our messages to help us create a water-loving nation free from drowning.

Anyone can drown, no one should.

World Drowning Prevention Day

In April 2021, the United Nations adopted the historic first Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention, recognising the scale of the problem, calling for coordinated action to prevent drowning and marking the 25 July as World Drowning Prevention Day.

Drowning doesn’t have a single cause, or a single solution. But it can be prevented. Drowning is an issue that affects every nation of the world. Globally, nearly a quarter of a million people lose their lives to drowning every year. Almost 82,000 of them are children.

In Australia hundreds of families lose loved ones to drowning every year.

World Drowning Prevention Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of drowning prevention and to reduce preventable deaths.

What INDIVIDUALS can do to take action to prevent drowning

  • Enrol in swimming lessons
  • Supervise children
  • Check pool fence and gate
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs around water
  • Wear a lifejacket
  • Know the conditions
  • Become a pool lifeguard
  • Learn CPR
  • Become a swim teacher

Every small step we take can help save lives.

HOW ORGANISATIONS CAN GET INVOLVED

Aquatic Centres, Swim Schools and Community Groups are encouraged to promote and support World Drowning Prevention Day, to shine a spotlight on and raise awareness of that fact that "anyone can drown, no one should".

From Going Blue, Sharing Resources and Sharing Local Stories - Be part of the global movement to prevent drowning and promote water safety.

If you want to take part in World Drowning Prevention Day 2025, keep an eye on this website for updated resources or email marketing@rlssa.org.au.