Published 25 July 2024
Royal Life Saving – Australia is joining the World Health Organization to mark the United Nations World Drowning Prevention Day on Thursday 25 July. On this day we remember those who have been lost to drowning and that “anyone can drown, but no one should”.
Drowning is sudden, abrupt, and shocking, with people often not realizing it's happening until it's too late.
Every year nearly a quarter of a million people lose their lives to drowning, and almost 82,000 of them are children aged 1 to 14 years. In Australia hundreds of families lose loved ones to drowning every year.
This World Drowning Prevention Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is reminding everyone that seconds can save a life. What leads to drowning often happens in just a few seconds.
Justin Scarr, Royal Life Saving – Australia Chief Executive Officer, said that World Drowning Prevention Day provides everyone in the community a chance to reflect.
“Drowning does not discriminate; whether you are eight months old or eighty, living in a capital city or a country town, drowning is a significant risk,” Mr Scarr said.
“By lighting up landmarks in blue, or by going blue, we remind everyone that simple actions can save lives, whether swimming lessons, pool fencing, and CPR lessons, they all make a difference to drowning prevention,” said Mr Scarr.
Royal Life Saving Australia encourages everyone to get involved in World Drowning Prevention Day by going blue and sharing resources and stories.
Anyone can make a difference by taking action and sharing water safety tips on how to stay safe around water:
- Enrol in swimming lessons
- Supervise children
- Check pool fence and gate
- Avoid alcohol and drugs around water
- Wear a lifejacket
- Know the conditions
- Learn CPR
- Become a swim teacher or lifeguard
Every small step we take can help save lives.
So much can happen in a single moment. But with the right awareness and actions, what happens in those seconds can also be changed - for the better.
