The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) is calling on its global network of members to take an active role in World Drowning Prevention Day 2026, held each year on 25 July. This year’s global theme, Unite to Turn the Tide, is urging everyone involved in water safety and lifesaving to step forward, strengthen collaboration and accelerate progress toward ending preventable drowning.
Drowning remains a major public health challenge, claiming more than 300,000 lives every year. While the global drowning death rate has fallen by 38 percent since 2000, the work is far from finished. The international community has set an ambitious target: reduce drowning deaths by a further 35 percent by 2035. Achieving this goal requires coordinated action from policymakers, educators, employers, community leaders, parents, and advocates – every voice matters.
To support global and local action, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released the World Drowning Prevention Day 2026 Campaign Toolkit. It’s designed for partners, advocates, community leaders, educators and others working to prevent drowning, the toolkit includes:
- key campaign messages;
- ready-to-use social media content;
- editable social media templates that can be customized with your organization’s logo and stories from local drowning prevention champions, together with a short tutorial video explaining how to make edits; and
- links to additional resources.
- Download the toolkit here
Join the WHO Flagship Webinar – 28 July 2026
WHO will host its annual World Drowning Prevention Day 2026 flagship webinar on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 13:00 – 14:30 CEST. The webinar will bring together governments, United Nations agencies, researchers, civil society and community partners to mark World Drowning Prevention Day 2026, share progress from around the world, and explore how we can unite to turn the tide on drowning. Register here
Share your World Drowning Prevention Day 2026 activities
As in previous years, WHO invites partners to share photos and short videos of activities, events and campaigns held around the world to mark World Drowning Prevention Day 2026. A compilation of selected submissions will go into a global recap video showcasing the remarkable work being undertaken by drowning prevention partners worldwide. The video will be screened during the flagship webinar and shared through the WHO campaign page and YouTube channel.
Be sure to tag @WHO and use the hashtag #Drowning Prevention
If you missed last year’s celebrations – or would like some inspiration as you plan your own activities – you can watch the World Drowning Prevention Day 2025 recap video here.