Published on 25 July 2024
On Thursday 25 July, the Royal Lifesaving Australia will highlight an issue affecting every nation around the world, including Australia: drowning deaths.
World Drowning Prevention Day is a United Nations declared day that aims to raise awareness of drowning prevention and simple and effective actions like taking swimming lessons or fencing a pool.
In Australia, the nation will turn blue as supporters don blue attire, organisations decorate their offices and facilities, and major landmarks around the country light up in blue.
Hundreds of families are impacted by drowning in Australia annually. Worldwide, drowning is a leading cause of death for children and young people aged 1-24 years, with an estimated 236,000 fatalities each year.
Royal Life Saving Australia Chief Executive Officer Justin Scarr said World Drowning Prevention Day symbolises the collective commitment to prevent drowning deaths and is an opportunity for every individual to contribute to saving lives.
“Anyone can drown, no one should. Drowning can happen to anyone at any time, but every step we take towards drowning prevention can save lives."
“On World Drowning Prevention Day, we reflect on thousands of people lost to drowning in recent years, as well as the millions of lives lost across the globe," Scarr said.
Royal Life Saving and WSAC encourage everyone to get involved in World Drowning Prevention Day by going blue and sharing resources and stories. Anyone can make a difference by taking action and sharing water safety tips on how to stay safe around water:
The Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre is getting involved in World Drowning Prevention Day by using our social media to raise awareness of the campaign.
Visit Royal Life Saving’s World Drowning Prevention Day website page or the World Health Organization’s World Drowning Prevention Day website page to learn more about the global initiative and how to get involved.