ILS calls for global story sharing to prevent drowning

As part of the World Health Organisation’s World Drowning Prevention Day 2025, the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) is calling on its global network to embrace storytelling as a powerful tool to help reduce the number of lives lost to drowning each year.

This year’s theme, “Your Story Can Save a Life”, encourages individuals, families, and communities to share their experiences of water safety, rescue, and recovery.

“The simple act of sharing your story could have a life-saving impact,” International Life Saving Federation President Graham Ford AO said.

“Every day, members of our global lifesaving community contribute to water safety efforts, rescue operations and recovery activities. Whether your story reflects a successful rescue or a practical lesson learned, sharing it may help prevent future drowning incidents,” Ford said.

The World Health Organisation estimates more than 300,000 people drown each year, with children and youth disproportionately impacted. While global figures are decreasing, campaigns like this can play a vital role in raising awareness and preventing drownings.

ILS encourages its National Federations and members to take part in the WHO campaign.

Every Story Counts.

Share your experience—whether it’s a creative way you stay safe around water, or a lesson learned from a close call—and help us all prevent drowning and save lives.

Each story about drowning helps us better understand how to prevent it.

Drawing inspiration from these real-life stories to inspire action and drive change, governments, organizations, and communities can train more people in life-saving skills, implement effective water safety programmes, and raise awareness about drowning prevention.

Visit the World Health Organisation website to find out how you can get involved.