On July 25, 2025, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) will join people across South Africa and the world to observe World Drowning Prevention Day. This day is organized by the United Nations and the World Health Organization to raise awareness about drowning, remember victims, and encourage action to prevent drowning deaths.
This year’s theme is “Your story can save a life.” The NSRI explains that sharing real-life stories about water safety can help change behavior and save lives.
Every year, over 236,000 people worldwide die from drowning. It is one of the top 10 causes of death for children aged 5 to 14. South Africa, with its long coastline and many rivers, lakes, and dams, faces big challenges in keeping people safe around water.
The NSRI, which started mainly as an emergency rescue service, now focuses heavily on education and prevention. Since 2006, it has taught over 5.5 million South Africans important water safety skills, including CPR for bystanders. The NSRI also teaches survival swimming to children in poor communities, helping them learn how to float, swim, and stay safe in water.
A special project called the Pink Rescue Buoy has placed over 1,800 buoys along dangerous spots. These buoys have helped save at least 221 lives since 2017. The NSRI also offers a free app called SafeTRX that helps small boat users share their location and call for help if needed.
In 2024 alone, the NSRI gave nearly 900,000 water safety lessons and taught 25,000 children how to swim and survive in water.
This World Drowning Prevention Day, the NSRI asks everyone to:
Learn to swim and teach children water survival skills.
Always watch children closely near water because drowning is silent.
Avoid drinking alcohol near water to stay alert.
Check water and weather conditions before swimming.
Wear lifejackets and use safety gear.
People are encouraged to wear blue on July 25 or host blue-themed events to raise awareness. Sharing personal stories on social media using hashtags like #DrowningPrevention can inspire others. Supporting NSRI through volunteering or donations also helps save lives.
The NSRI reminds everyone: drowning can happen to anyone, but it can also be prevented — and sharing your story can help save lives.
