City of Sydney

Published Thu, 24 July 2025

Anyone can drown, no one should.

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children and young people, taking over 300,000 lives globally each year, including hundreds in Australia. The tragedy is that drowning is preventable.

Each year on 25 July, communities worldwide come together to remember lives lost, raise awareness, and take action for World Drowning Prevention Day.

The City of Sydney’s Aquatic and Fitness centres are proud to support Royal Life Saving Australia and the global mission to end drowning.

As providers of aquatic facilities for swimming, exercise and leisure, we’re committed to water safety. Our trained lifeguards are always on duty to help keep you and your family safe.

We also proudly partner with Royal Life Saving’s 'Keep Watch at Public Pools' program to help protect children and young people. While our staff are vigilant, supervision is a shared responsibility — and we encourage all parents and carers to play an active role in watching over their children at all times.

Here are some more ways you can take action to help prevent drowning:

Enrol in swimming lessons
Confident swimming is a key life skill. Our centres offer affordable, accessible lessons for all ages — from kids to adults — focused on essential water safety.
Supervise children at all times around water
Always keep watch when your child is in the water—at the pool, beach, or anywhere else. Even with lifeguards or older kids around, your eyes are the most important.
Check your pool fence and gate
If you have a pool or are around one with a fence, make sure the gate is working properly. A faulty latch or gate can allow children to enter the pool area without you knowing.
Avoid alcohol and drugs around water
Alcohol and drugs may affect judgment and swimming ability, making any time in or around water much more dangerous.

Wear a lifejacket when on the water
Whether boating, kayaking, or fishing, wearing a lifejacket could save your life, even if you're a strong swimmer.
Know the conditions
Check ocean conditions before you go - rough surf or unexpected rips can quickly become dangerous, especially if you're not a strong swimmer. Being prepared can make all the difference.
Learn CPR
Knowing basic CPR can save lives, especially around water. Our lifeguards are fully trained, and we encourage everyone to learn CPR to keep family time safe.
Train to become a swim teacher or pool lifeguard
Want to make a difference? Swim teachers and lifeguards help others stay safe and confident in the water. We're always looking for passionate people—visit our Careers page to submit your expression of interest.