On 25 July, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) will join communities across South Africa and around the world to observe World Drowning Prevention Day, a United Nations and World Health Organisation (WHO) initiative dedicated to awareness, remembrance, and action.
This year’s theme, “Your story can save a life,” is a powerful reminder that drowning prevention is not only about water safety and swimming lessons.
It is also about stories.
When shared, these stories can change behaviour, influence communities, and save lives.
Each year, drowning claims more than 236 000 lives globally and is one of the top 10 causes of death for children aged 5 to 14.
Mike Vonk, NSRI CEO, said, “This is not just a statistic; it’s a call to action.”
“World Drowning Prevention Day reminds us that while anyone can drown, no one should.”
With more than 3 000 kilometres of coastline, countless rivers, lakes, and dams, South Africa faces unique water safety challenges.
The NSRI, having seen the tragedy of drowning far too often, expanded its mission from emergency response to proactive education and prevention.
Turning experience into prevention
Since 2006, the NSRI has been transforming lessons from real-life incidents into lifesaving education through initiatives such as:
• Water Safety Education: Reaching more than 5.5 million South Africans with vital skills, including bystander CPR.
• Survival Swimming: Teaching children in under-resourced communities how to control their breathing, orient themselves in water, float and swim.
• The Pink Rescue Buoy Project: Over 1 800 Pink Buoys have been deployed, directly saving at least 221 lives since its launch in 2017.
• The free NSRI SafeTRX App: Helping small craft users log trips, track movements, and alert rescuers in an emergency.
In 2024 alone, the NSRI delivered 877 485 water safety lessons and taught 25 000 survival swimming lessons, empowering communities with knowledge that truly saves lives.
How you can help
This World Drowning Prevention Day, the NSRI urges all South Africans to share their stories, raise awareness, and practise safe behaviour around water.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
• Learn to swim – Equip yourself and your children with basic water survival skills.
• Supervise children – Drowning is silent. Always keep a close watch on children.
• Avoid alcohol near water – Stay alert and in control.
• Check conditions before you swim – Always assess water and weather conditions.
• Use proper safety gear – Lifejackets save lives.
What you can do on July 25:
• Go Blue for Drowning Prevention – Wear blue on 25 July or host a blue-themed event.
• Share your story – Inspire others by telling how water safety has touched your life. Post on social media using #DrowningPrevention, #WorldDrowningPreventionDay, and tag @NSRI.
• Support community efforts – Volunteer, donate, or help spread the word.
Your story can save a life.
