25/07/2026
World Drowning Prevention Day 2026 β Every Life Matters
Today is World Drowning Prevention Day, a global awareness day led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to highlight that drowning is preventable and to encourage everyone to stay safe around water.
Whether you're visiting the beach, a river, a lake, or a swimming pool this summer, taking a few simple precautions can help save lives.
π§ Top water safety tips:
π Always supervise children closely in and around water β they should never be left unattended.
π¦Ί Wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid when appropriate, especially during boating or water sports.
π± Avoid distractions such as mobile phones when supervising children near water.
π« Never swim alone, and only swim in designated safe areas where possible.
πΊ Avoid alcohol or drugs before and during water activities, as they significantly increase the risk of drowning.
π Be aware of changing weather conditions, currents and cold-water shock.
π In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you're at the coast, or ask for the Fire and Rescue Service if you're inland.
Knowing what to do if someone gets into difficulty can also save a life:
β‘οΈ If you see someone in trouble, Call, Tell, Throw β call 999, encourage them to float, and throw something that floats if you can. Avoid entering the water yourself, as this can put you at risk.
Find out more about water safety:
π Royal Life Saving Society UK: https://www.rlss.org.uk/
π RNLI β Water Safety: https://rnli.org/safety
π World Health Organization β Drowning Prevention: https://www.who.int/health-topics/drowning
Together, we can help prevent drowning and keep our families and communities safe this summer.
Since 1891 Royal Life Saving Society UK has been sharing our expertise in water safety, lifesaving, and lifeguarding to educate everyone to enjoy water safely.