Coming Together to Turn the Tide on Drowning Prevention
This World Drowning Prevention Day, volunteer lifesavers, community advocates, and aquatic professionals from across Victoria joined forces to help make our waterways safer.
On Saturday 25 July, communities across Victoria joined the global movement for World Drowning Prevention Day, an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO). This year’s theme, “Unite to turn the tide,” is a powerful reminder that drowning prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
In Victoria, 52 people lost their lives to drowning in 2024/25, and 123 others experienced non-fatal incidents. Behind each number is a family and a community affected. The good news is that drowning is preventable, and people across Victoria are working every day to make a difference.
A National Effort to Prevent Drowning
A National Effort to Prevent Drowning
Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day, over 220 water safety leaders from around Australia met in Sydney for the National Water Safety Summit 2026.
Royal Life Saving Australia hosted the Summit, bringing together people from government, research, education, health, lifesaving groups, and the aquatic industry to talk about practical ways to address Australia’s biggest water safety challenges.
Over two days, delegates explored opportunities to accelerate the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030. The conversations showed how important it is for everyone to work together to reach the shared goal of cutting drowning deaths in half by 2030.
LSV's Head of Research, Evaluation and Insights, Dr Bernadette Matthews, also took part in the national conversation. She presented on behalf of LSV and shared ideas to help guide future drowning prevention work.
The Next Generation of Lifesaving and Aquatic Leaders
We asked water safety advocates from across Victoria what drowning prevention means to them.
Cameron Brown, LSV Junior (LSVj) Youth Committee and Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club
“Drowning prevention looks like empowering future generations with the skills and confidence to save lives,” Cameron said.
“The same juniors in our clubs today will be the lifeguards, response officers and drowning prevention specialists of tomorrow.”
Markus Marandi, St Kilda Life Saving Club
“As someone who was born outside Australia, drowning prevention means making sure everyone understands how to stay safe around the water,” Markus said.
“Many newcomers may not be familiar with Australian beaches, rip currents or safety flags. Education, awareness and looking out for each other can help save lives and keep our beaches safer for everyone.”
Hayley Burke, Aquatics & Community Participation Manager at WynActive
“One of the biggest risks I see swimmers take in pool environments is leaving their children without adequate supervision.
“Whether it’s parents using their phones or not coming prepared to get into the water with their children, supervision matters.”
Every Action Counts
LSV's Education team joined Glen Eira Leisure to connect with patrons and community members about water safety and the simple steps that can help prevent drowning.
Aquatic facilities across the state also marked the day with special events, educational activities, and safety sessions to help people of all ages build their water safety knowledge and skills.
We also joined local communities at events like the World Drowning Prevention Day gathering at Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar in Officer. This event brought together community members, guest speakers, volunteers, and partner organisations to raise water safety awareness, share knowledge, and strengthen our shared commitment to preventing drowning.
These local initiatives help turn awareness into action by providing practical information that can save lives.
To show support for drowning prevention, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre lit up in blue.
The blue lighting is a powerful reminder of the lives lost to drowning each year and the ongoing efforts by water safety organisations, aquatic facilities, volunteers, and communities to prevent future tragedies.