July 25 Marks World Drowning Prevention Day

The World Drowning Prevention Day is observed on July 25.

The day highlights the importance of taking steps to make sure everyone is safe around water.

The theme of this year is "Anyone can drown, no one should."

According to WHO, drowning has caused over 2.5 million deaths in the last decade. The overwhelming majority of these deaths (90%) happen in low- and middle-income countries. Globally, the highest drowning rates occur among children aged 1–4 years, followed by children aged 5–9 years.

To mark this year’s World Drowning Prevention Day, WHO is organizing workshops and activities focused on raising awareness on drowning as a public health issue, reminding people that anyone can drown, but no one should.

History

World Drowning Prevention Day was founded through the U.N. General Assembly Resolution A/RES/75/273 in April 2021, aiming to address global drowning prevention. 

In 2023, the 76th World Health Assembly adopted its first-ever resolution on drowning prevention.

The resolution accepts the invitation of the United Nations General Assembly for WHO to coordinate actions within the UN system on drowning prevention and facilitate the observance of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July each year.