Every year, more than 2,36,000 people across the globe lose their lives to drowning. That’s one person every two minutes. In India alone, over 100 people die from drowning every single day. These numbers are not just statistics—they are stories of lost potential, grieving families, and communities left devastated.
This 25th July 2025, on World Drowning Prevention Day, the message is clear and urgent: “Anyone can drown, no one should.”
Drowning Is Preventable
Despite the alarming figures, drowning remains one of the most neglected public health issues worldwide. The tragedy lies in the fact that drowning is entirely preventable. Whether it’s a child falling into an unattended well, a tourist swept away by a rip current, or a farmer drowning in a seasonal flood — these lives can be saved through simple, low-cost interventions and greater public awareness.
Everyone Has a Role to Play
Preventing drowning isn’t the responsibility of governments alone. Every individual, every community, and every sector of society has a role to play.
- Parents and caregivers must supervise children around water at all times.
- Schools should incorporate swimming and water safety education into their curriculum.
- Local authorities must ensure safe infrastructure near water bodies.
- Volunteers and first responders can be trained in rescue and resuscitation techniques.
- Media and influencers can spread awareness far and wide.
Collective action can make a massive impact.
Learn Water Safety, Save Lives
One of the most effective tools in drowning prevention is education.
Teaching children how to swim and basic water safety rules can reduce their risk of drowning by over 80%. Adults, too, benefit from learning to recognize hazards, wear life jackets when needed, and understand how to respond in emergencies.
Programs like community swimming lessons, flood safety awareness, and first aid training have already shown results in saving lives. Now is the time to scale these up across India and the world.
Let’s Turn the Tide Together
Drowning doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone — anywhere, anytime. But with the right knowledge, awareness, and action, we can make sure no one has to.
This World Drowning Prevention Day, let us unite under the global message:
“Anyone can drown, no one should.”
Whether you’re a policymaker, parent, teacher, lifeguard, or simply a concerned citizen—your voice, your effort, and your awareness can save lives.
✅ Take Action Today:
- Learn and teach water safety
- Supervise children closely near water
- Advocate for water safety education
- Support drowning prevention initiatives
- Share this message
Because every life lost to drowning is one too many.