The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) welcomes the first World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25th, 2021.
This is a monumental day that resulted directly from the historic first United Nations Resolution on global Drowning Prevention adopted on 28 April 2021.
Globally, an estimated 236,000 lives are lost to drowning every year, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates. Almost 650 every day, 26 every hour.
This is a silent epidemic of preventable deaths that affects every nation of the world. The theme “Anyone can drown, no one should”.
The ILS President Graham Ford AM said “It is heartbreaking to consider that drowning has caused more than 2.5 million preventable deaths in the last decade. Every region, every nation, and every community is impacted by drowning”.
“Every drowning is preventable. Simple solutions, like teaching swimming and water safety skills, wearing lifejackets or setting up and supporting lifesaving rescue services can be implemented. Partnership is essential, together we can all take action to end drowning”.
In drawing attention to the issue of drowning prevention, the ILS together with WHO and lifesaving members worldwide are working to galvanise action to save more lives.
On this first World Drowning Prevention Day, lifesavers the world over are highlighting the need for urgent, coordinated, and multi-sectoral action on proven measures such as:
installing barriers controlling access to water
providing safe places away from water such as crèches for pre-school children with capable
childcare
teaching survival 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
The ILS is urging all ILS regions and ILS Members to work together to spread the word about drowning and what needs to be done to stop it. Every drowning is preventable. We can all take action to end drowning. Our ILS, The Life Saving Society of Malaysia, Government Agencies, Private Sectors and Communities Members will commemorate the day in their own unique ways with the full support of the ILS.
The International Life Saving Federation is a Global Leader in Drowning Prevention. We lead, collaborate and partner with 144 National and International Organisations to prevent drowning.
Our mission is a World Free from drowning.