World Drowning Prevention Day

World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, observed annually, is a global effort to raise awareness about drowning—a leading cause of unintentional death—and highlight life-saving strategies and community actions.

History of World Drowning Prevention Day

In April 2021, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution A/RES/75/273 recognizing drowning as a global public health challenge and formally designating July 25 as World Drowning Prevention Day. The World Health Organization (WHO) took the lead in coordinating this observance, aiming to unify efforts in preventing water-related fatalities and injuries. ¹

Since its inception, the day has become a focal point for international campaigns, local water safety events, training sessions, and public storytelling to share life-saving initiatives. For example, the National Water Safety Forum in the UK organizes “Find Your Float” events leading up to July 25, and landmarks often light up in blue in Australia to bolster awareness. ²

Why is World Drowning Prevention Day important?

It’s sobering to realize that around 236,000 people drown each year, making drowning one of the top ten causes of death for children aged 5–14. The tragedy often disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, and many of these deaths are preventable through community education, better supervision, and improved safety measures.

This day serves as a global reminder that water safety is everyone’s responsibility. Simple interventions like fencing pools, teaching children to swim, and training bystanders in CPR can dramatically reduce risk. When entire communities come together—governments, NGOs, families, and individuals—the ripple effects save lives.

• all drownings are preventable if we act
• teaching kids to swim can save generations
• floating isn’t just survival, it’s empowerment
• lifelong skills like CPR belong in every home
• a barrier or fence could stop a tragedy

How to Observe World Drowning Prevention Day

There are many ways to honor this day—most begin with spreading awareness. Share a story about water safety or a local program using materials from the WHO toolkit. Encourage your community to practice “Find Your Float”—a self-rescue float technique—or sign up for a CPR class.

Engage kids with fun yet educational activities: plan a dip to gauge each child’s float, talk about pool rules, or set up a mini-lifeguard station in your backyard with friends. Communities might host water safety fairs at public pools, or simply light up buildings and landmarks in blue to show solidarity. Each act helps reinforce a culture of vigilance and prevention.

• share a water‑safety story or tip with someone
• attend or host a CPR/swim‑lesson session
• learn or teach a simple float technique
• join a local safety event or blue light initiative
• advocate for pool fencing and safe boating rules

World Drowning Prevention Day Dates Table

1. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-drowning-prevention-day[↩]
2. https://www.un.org/en/observances/drowning-prevention-day[↩]