World Drowning Prevention Day is observed each year on 25 July. It is aimed at raising awareness about death because of drowning. It serves as an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and offer life-saving solutions to prevent it.
The new UN General Assembly resolution invited WHO to coordinate actions on drowning prevention within the UN system. In this capacity, WHO leads preparations for World Drowning Prevention Day by hosting a global launch event, producing related advocacy materials, and supporting national and local activities in countries and communities worldwide.
For social media WHO recommends that the hashtag #DrowningPrevention be used, including for World #DrowningPrevention Day.
History of World Drowning Prevention Day
World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on July 25th, is a significant occasion to raise awareness about the importance of water safety and the impact of drowning worldwide. Drowning is a silent epidemic that claims the lives of over 236,000 individuals annually, with a significant number of these tragedies occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Recognizing the profound impact of this preventable cause of death, the United Nations General Assembly took a historic step on April 28, 2021, by adopting Resolution A/RES/75/273, which established July 25 as World Drowning Prevention Day.
This resolution marked a pivotal moment in global health and safety advocacy, bringing much-needed attention to the issue of drowning and the measures that can prevent such losses. The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the scale of drowning worldwide, share prevention strategies, and remember those affected by this tragedy.
The focus of World Drowning Prevention Day is not only on remembrance but also on action. The World Health Organization and various stakeholders emphasize the importance of “doing one thing” to prevent drowning. This could be as simple as learning to swim, wearing a life jacket, or ensuring that children are supervised near water.
The theme for World Drowning Prevention Day 2024
The theme for World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 is a powerful reminder that “Seconds Can Save a Life.” This theme emphasizes the swift nature of drowning incidents and the critical importance of quick and effective preventive measures.
In accordance with the World Health Organization’s decision, the designated theme for observing World Drowning Prevention Day 2023 is “Do one thing to prevent drowning”. Through this theme, a heartfelt invitation is extended to both individuals and communities, urging them to unite and take concrete steps toward the advancement of drowning prevention. Let us come together and make a resounding impact in safeguarding lives from the perils of drowning.
Drowning statistics worldwide
Here are quick facts about Drowning as a danger
- In the U.S. drowning takes an average of 3,500-4,000 lives per year. More children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death except birth defects. Also, for children ages 1–14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.
- Around the globe, an estimated 236,000 people drown every year, and drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children and youth aged 1-24 years.
- More than 90% of drowning deaths occur in rivers, lakes, wells, and domestic water storage vessels in low- and middle-income countries, with children and adolescents in rural areas disproportionately affected.
- Nearly 80% of people who die from drowning are male. Many factors might contribute to higher rates of drowning among males, including increased exposure to water, risk-taking behaviors, and alcohol use.
Drowning prevention awareness
Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid. Not all drownings are fatal. Here are a few steps:
- installing barriers controlling access to water
- providing safe places away from water such as crèches for pre-school children with capable childcare
- teaching swimming, water safety and safe rescue skills
- training bystanders in safe rescue and resuscitation
- setting and enforcing safe boating, shipping and ferry regulations
- improving flood risk management
How to Observe World Drowning Prevention Day
To participate in this day, individuals can enroll in swimming lessons to improve their water safety skills, which is crucial in preventing drowning incidents. Sharing information and resources about drowning prevention on social media platforms can also help to educate others and spread awareness. Additionally, contributing to organizations that focus on water safety education for children can make a significant difference in communities. Groups and communities can organize events or campaigns to promote water safety, and governments can develop policies or strategies to enhance drowning prevention efforts. By taking these steps, every person can contribute to reducing the risk of drowning and saving lives.
Observation Dates World Drowning Prevention Day
World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on July 25th, is a significant occasion to raise awareness about the importance of water safety and the impact of drowning worldwide.
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2019 | 25-Jul-19 | Thursday |
| 2020 | 25-Jul-20 | Saturday |
| 2021 | 25-Jul-21 | Sunday |
| 2022 | 25-Jul-22 | Monday |
| 2023 | 25-Jul-23 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | 25-Jul-24 | Thursday |
| 2025 | 25-Jul-25 | Friday |
| 2026 | 25-Jul-26 | Saturday |
| 2027 | 25-Jul-27 | Sunday |
| 2028 | 25-Jul-28 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | 25-Jul-29 | Wednesday |
Read Also: Children’s Day in India and its Significance
