20/07/25 Community Joins Forces on World Drowning Prevention Day

20 July 2025

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) is teaming up with the aquatic industry, community groups and government leaders to put water safety front of mind on World Drowning Prevention Day. 

Held every year on July 25, World Drowning Prevention Day is an initiative of the World Health Organization to highlight the tragic, wide-ranging impacts of drowning incidents, and offer solutions. 

More than 300,000 people have lost their lives to drowning across the globe every year, with more than 90 per cent of drowning deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries.

Children under five years old make up nearly a quarter of all drowning deaths.

In Victoria, 52 people lost their lives to drowning in the last financial year, representing a 6% increase compared to the five-year average. Of further concern is that 23 of the deaths occurred over the summer months, which is a 10% increase on the five-year average.    

Events will run on the day and the following week to focus attention on water safety, including: 

  • Aquatic facility operator Belgravia Leisure will have more than 60 centres across the state running a range of local activations. 

  • The Melbourne Sikh community will host an event at the Officer Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar featuring presentations and panel discussions aimed at finding new water safety solutions. 

  • LSV representatives are taking part in the National Water Safety Summit, aimed at sharing knowledge from across the country to strengthen water safety efforts. 

  • The City of Melbourne will light up major landmarks blue to mark the day on Friday and raise awareness of drowning. 

Life Saving Victoria Head of Research, Evaluation and Insights Dr Bernadette Matthews, thanked those taking part in the day, and encouraged the community to get on board. 

“The core message of the day is that anyone can drown, but no one should,” Dr. Matthews said. 

“We have a responsibility to each other, our loved ones and ourselves to do what we can to prevent these tragic incidents.” 

Find Life Saving Victoria’s key water safety tips below: 

  • Actively supervise children at all times — don’t be distracted 

  • Avoid alcohol when swimming, boating or supervising others 

  • Always wear a lifejacket when boating, fishing or kayaking 

  • Check the conditions — weather, tides, and water hazards 

  • Never swim alone — always go with a friend or family member 

  • Know your limits — don’t overestimate your swimming ability 

  • During summer – swim between the red and yellow flags where possible.