Published 21 July 2026
Communities Unite to Turn the Tide on Drowning
More than 100 aquatic centres, swim schools, local governments and community organisations are joining Royal Life Saving Australia this World Drowning Prevention Day to raise awareness of drowning prevention and inspire action that saves lives.
Supporting the World Health Organization's 2026 theme, "Unite to turn the tide on drowning," Royal Life Saving Australia is encouraging Australians to come together around a shared goal - that while anyone can drown, no one should.
Across the country, participating organisations will Go Blue, share local stories, promote water safety messages and encourage their communities to take simple actions that help prevent drowning.
The campaign has been strongly supported by aquatic facilities and swim schools across Australia, including Belgravia Leisure, alongside Royal Life Saving State and Territory Member Organisations, councils and community partners.
Belgravia Leisure General Manager Health and Safety Scott Vanderheyden said, “This World Drowning Prevention Day, our partnership with Royal Life Saving Australia is helping 80 participating Belgravia Leisure aquatic venues turn awareness into practical action in their local communities.
“Our teams support people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to build water confidence, develop lifelong swimming and survival skills and better understand how to stay safe in and around water. It’s about more than swimming lessons, it’s about supporting families and helping create stronger, safer communities. Everyone has a role to play in preventing drowning and this campaign gives our venues an important opportunity to share that message,” Scott said.
For more than 130 years, Royal Life Saving Australia has worked to eliminate drowning and empower communities to be safe around water.
Dr Justin Scarr, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Life Saving Australia, said this year's theme highlights the importance of everyone playing a role in preventing drowning.
"Every drowning is a tragedy that has a lasting impact on families, friends and communities. We know that drowning can be prevented through education, awareness, research and practical action."
"The theme Unite to turn the tide on drowning reminds us that preventing drowning isn't the responsibility of one person or one organisation. It takes families, communities, governments, aquatic facilities, schools and industry all working together to create safer communities around water."
"World Drowning Prevention Day reflects our mission of bringing people together to eliminate drowning and empower communities to be safe around water. We are inspired to see more than 100 aquatic centres and many organisations supporting this year's campaign. Every conversation, every lesson and every lifesaving skill learned helps turn the tide on drowning."
World Drowning Prevention Day was established following the United Nations' historic Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention in 2021. Observed annually on 25 July, the day raises awareness of drowning as a preventable public health issue and encourages coordinated action around the world.
Globally, more than 300,000 people lose their lives to drowning every year. Children and young people are disproportionately affected, and more than nine in 10 drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
In Australia, hundreds of families lose loved ones to drowning each year, reinforcing the importance of ongoing education, investment and community action.
The World Drowning Prevention Day campaign supports the WHO's Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention, which calls for stronger leadership, greater access to swimming and water safety education, safer aquatic environments and coordinated action to reduce drowning worldwide.
Across Australia, Royal Life Saving works with governments, aquatic facilities, schools, community and industry to help people develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to enjoy the water safely.
Royal Life Saving Australia is encouraging every Australian to help turn the tide on drowning by taking one simple action - learn a water safety skill, enrol in swimming lessons, refresh CPR knowledge, actively supervise children or simply start a conversation about staying safe around water.
Because anyone can drown, but no one should.
To access World Drowning Prevention Day resources and learn how to get involved, visit https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/World-Drowning-Prevention-Day
About World Drowning Prevention Day
World Drowning Prevention Day is observed annually on 25 July following the adoption of the United Nations Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention in 2021.
Coordinated globally by the World Health Organization, the day raises awareness of drowning as a preventable public health issue and encourages governments, organisations and communities to work together to prevent drowning.
Royal Life Saving Australia supports World Drowning Prevention Day through education, advocacy, campaign resources and partnerships that empower communities to be safe around water.
