World Day to Prevent Drowning

World Drowning Prevention Day is an international observance held annually on 25 July to raise awareness about drowning prevention, promote water safety practices, and support efforts to reduce drowning-related deaths. The day was proclaimed by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly A/RES/75/273.^【1】

World Drowning Prevention Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/75/273, adopted on 28 April 2021. The resolution designated 25 July as an international day to increase global awareness of drowning prevention and support related initiatives.^【2】

Under the resolution adopted by the United Nations, attention is drawn to the impact of drowning on individuals, families and communities; preventive measures to reduce drowning risks are promoted; and international information sharing is encouraged. World Drowning Prevention Day is implemented as an awareness day that addresses water safety, educational activities and prevention efforts at the international level.

Since its establishment, various information campaigns, educational programs and water safety events have been organized on 25 July by international organizations and institutions in different countries. These activities aim to promote preventive measures against drowning and raise public awareness on water safety.^【3】

The primary objective of World Drowning Prevention Day is to increase global awareness of drowning prevention and promote widespread adoption of protective water safety practices. To this end, activities are carried out to develop education, awareness campaigns and risk reduction initiatives aimed at reducing drowning incidents.

The day seeks to inform communities about water safety, raise individual awareness of safe behaviors, and promote measures to reduce drowning risks. Swimming education, information on safe water use, supervision of children near water and preparedness for emergencies are among the core components of drowning prevention efforts.^【4】

World Drowning Prevention Day also aims to foster collaboration among public institutions, international organizations and civil society groups, encourage the sharing of drowning prevention practices, and support initiatives in the field of water safety.

Under the framework of World Drowning Prevention Day, various awareness and educational activities are organized in different countries to prevent drowning. These include public information campaigns on water safety, educational programs, public awareness initiatives, search and rescue drills, and lifesaving demonstrations.^【5】

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International organizations’ activities address safe use of water resources, reduction of drowning risks and basic safety procedures applicable in emergencies. Through informational materials, educational content and campaigns, efforts are made to raise individual awareness of risks associated with aquatic environments.

Activities organized on World Drowning Prevention Day focus on safety measures targeting specific groups such as children, individuals learning to swim, and those working in aquatic environments. Topics covered include use of safe swimming areas, seeking help when needed, supervision practices and proper use of safety equipment.

In Türkiye, various awareness activities are also conducted on World Drowning Prevention Day. Organized by the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Türkiye, these include drills with search and rescue teams, demonstrations of water-based rescue operations, and public information campaigns aimed at preventing drowning incidents.^【6】

Drowning prevention measures consist of efforts to reduce risks in aquatic environments, promote safe behaviors among individuals, and prepare for emergencies. These include water safety education, development of swimming skills, public awareness campaigns on safe water use, and implementation of protective measures against hazardous situations.^【7】

Supervision of children near water is among the fundamental measures to reduce drowning risk. Avoiding leaving children unattended near water bodies, choosing designated safe swimming areas, and raising awareness about hazards in aquatic environments are considered key preventive actions.

Swimming and water safety education is implemented to prepare individuals for potential situations in aquatic environments. These programs cover basic swimming skills, safe movement techniques, how to request help, and essential responses during emergencies.

Use of appropriate safety equipment such as life jackets is also a key component of drowning prevention. The use of proper protective gear is particularly important during watercraft use and in situations where safe swimming conditions are not available, making it a vital element of water safety initiatives.^【8】

Training of search and rescue teams, organization of drills and implementation of rescue methods are also carried out as preventive measures to enhance capacity to respond to drowning incidents. These efforts encompass preparations for rapid and coordinated intervention in water-related emergencies.^【9】