25 July is World #DrowningPrevention Day
What is World Drowning Prevention Day?
The day is a global opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and offer life-saving solutions to prevent it.
In April 2021, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly affirmed drowning as a preventable global public health issue and declared 25 July as World Drowning Prevention Day. The full resolution can be accessed here.
Why hold a World Drowning Prevention Day?
It is an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities around the world and offer life-saving solutions for prevention.
Globally, an estimated 235,600 people drown every year, and drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years.
The UK figures showed that in 2022 there was 226 accidental drownings, with more dying at inland waters than at the coast.
What is the theme for World Drowning Prevention Day 2023?
Each year there is a key theme to bring focus and attention to an important aspect of drowning prevention. This year’s theme will follow the strapline:
What are the key drowning statistics across the UK and communities?
- There were 226 accidental fatalities in the UK in 2022: 105 of them during June, July and August.
- Of the 226 fatalities, 151 were in England; 45 in Scotland; 22 in Wales; and 8 in Northern Ireland.
- Inland waters, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries, continue to be the leading locations for accidental drowning, with 60% of deaths.
- Males continue to be over-represented, with 83% of accidental fatalities.
- Recreational activities accounted for 58% of accidental fatalities.
- Inland open waters, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries continue to be the leading locations with 62 per cent of death
- Males continue to over represent with 83 per cent of deaths
- 40 per cent people had no intention to enter the water, such as those walking, with causes including slips, trips and falls, being cut off by the tide, or swept in by waves .
The full report can be found here (Full UK 2022 report) along with our interactive dashboard. These show the drowning burden both nationally and at a community level.
How can I get involved?
There are lots of things you can do:
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You can see our UK webinar below for ideas and more detail, along with the WHO plans.
What resources are available from the NWSF?
- Key messages, social media assets and tweets are here
- New for this year are our printable pledge cards for your audience to participate and support #DrowningPrevention
- Badges and banners have been sent to communities and water safety partnerships
- Our #RespectTheWater site has all the content and collateral for the 'Make the right call, call 999' campaign
- Our interactive WAID dashboard can be used to highlight the drowning burden in your community
- We have a press and broadcast note available upon request
What hashtags are you using?
Globally and UK organisations are using the following hashtags:
#DrowningPrevention
#DrowningPrevention Day
#RespectTheWater
and please tag us on twitter: @NWSFweb
What are UK water safety and drowning prevention organisations doing to support the day?
There are UK wide events being held by our stakeholders to support WDPD, ranging from coffee morning chats and life-saving demos to turning iconic buildings blue. If you would like to share your event details with use, please drop us a line at info@nationalwatersafety.org.uk or Tweet us at @NWSFweb.
The slides of the webinar can be found here.
Where can I find out more?
The slides of the webinar can be found here.
Access the WHO WDPD resource materials and campaign page here and specific 2023 materials here. Watch the recording of the WHO-led WDPD 2023 information webinar, which took place on 22 May 2023 (Passcode: HwKq3a*j)
WHO drowning prevention website can be accessed here.