World Drowning Prevention Day is observed annually on July 25. It aims to raise awareness about the disastrous and long-term effects of drowning on both families and society while also informing us about life-saving ways to prevent it. An estimated 236,000 individuals drown every year — it is usually more common among children who are aged five to 14. Studies have shown that children and teens from the rural areas are likely to drown more than those from the city
History of World Drowning Prevention Day
World Drowning Prevention Day was established by the U.N. General Assembly Resolution’s A/RES/75/273 Global drowning prevention in April 2021. Drowning is a type of suffocation caused by submerging or immersing the mouth and nose in the water. Most fatal drownings happen alone or in situations where others are either unaware of the victim’s situation or are unable to help.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently highlighted the need to provide safe places away from water for children, teach them to swim, and improve flood risk management to prevent drowning deaths.
Every year, at least 236,000 people drown; drowning is one of the top 10 leading causes of death for children and youth aged one to 24 years, according to the WHO. According to a statement, more than 90% of drowning deaths in low- and middle-income countries occur in wells, domestic water storage vessels, rivers, and lakes. Rural children and adolescents are disproportionately affected.
The United Nations has announced a few preventative measures, which include providing safe places away from water sources for pre-school children with capable childcare, such as creches.
Other preventive measures include teaching swimming and water safety, training bystanders in safe rescue, installing barriers controlling water access, teaching safe rescue skills and resuscitation of drowning people, and establishing and enforcing safe boating, shipping, and ferry movement regulations.
World Drowning Prevention Day timeline
Swimmers are trained in C.P.R. and lifesaving techniques by a newly formed organization, the American Red Cross Volunteer Life Saving Corps.
Duke Kahanamoku uses only his surfboard to save over 10 people from drowning.
Mouth-to-mouth breathing is now a popular method used to rescue drowning victims.
Buckley, a beloved American musician, drowns, sending shock waves across the entire continent.
World Drowning Prevention Day FAQs
What are the six stages of drowning?
The six stages of drowning are struggling to keep the airway clear of the water, breath-holding, breathing in water, unconsciousness, cardio-respiratory arrest, and finally, death.
What happens if you drown?
Drowning deprives the body of oxygen, which can harm organs, particularly the brain. Doctors assess people for oxygen deprivation and other issues that frequently accompany drowning (such as spinal injuries caused by diving). The treatment focuses on resolving oxygen deprivation and other issues.
How long can you live if you drown?
The majority of people survive near-drowning experiences. Even if a person has been submerged for an extended period, resuscitation may still be possible depending on several factors.
How to Observe World Drowning Prevention Day
Enroll in swimming lessons
Enroll in swimming lessons to mark World Drowning Prevention Day. If you already know how to swim, brush up on your skills in preparation for an exciting summer.
Raise awareness
Share information about the day on social media to raise awareness about drowning prevention. You can also share some swimming safety information. Remember to use the hashtag #WorldDrowningPreventionDay.
Contribute to the prevention
You can also donate to various organizations that educate children about water safety. Many charitable organizations work to make children's lives healthier and more stable.
5 Interesting Facts About Drowning
It is quick and quiet
Drowning occurs so quickly that by the time a potential rescuer arrives, it is too late.
Children and men are particularly vulnerable
Children aged one to nine, as well as male adults, are most at risk of drowning.
Nobody is immune to drowning
Anyone, regardless of gender or age, is at risk of drowning.
The most common reason for unintentional deaths
The third-leading cause of unexpected death is drowning.
It is a worldwide epidemic
Over 236,000 drowning-related deaths were reported globally in 2019.
Why World Drowning Prevention Day is Important
It highlights the crisis
Every year, over 3,000 Americans are killed by drowning. It is an epidemic that receives little attention. The goal of World Drowning Prevention Day is to raise awareness of the crisis and educate people about water safety precautions.
It creates awareness
Water safety rules are limited but valuable, ranging from taking precautions to administering first aid. So, before the summer swimming sessions begin, let us raise awareness in our community and beyond about the importance of water safety.
It helps to save lives
The day is devoted to learning how we can ensure public safety near bodies of water. There are numerous ways to secure ourselves, ranging from life jackets and float lines to paddlers and compatible swimwear.
World Drowning Prevention Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 25 | Friday |
| 2026 | July 25 | Saturday |
| 2027 | July 25 | Sunday |
| 2028 | July 25 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | July 25 | Wednesday |
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