Published Fri, 24 July 2026
More than 300,000 people lose their lives to drowning every year, yet drowning is preventable. World Drowning Prevention Day, held annually on 25 July, raises awareness of water safety and encourages people to take action to help save lives.
This year’s theme ‘Unite to turn the tide on drowning’, highlights the role we all play in preventing drowning. Whether you’re a parent, carer, teacher, swimmer or lifeguard, small actions can make a life-saving difference.
357 drowning deaths were recorded in Australia in the past year with one in three drowning deaths being adults aged 65 and over.*
At City of Sydney aquatic and fitness centres, our trained lifeguards are always on duty, and we encourage all visitors to play their part in keeping themselves and others safe around water.
We also proudly partner with Royal Life Saving’s , which promotes active supervision of children around water. While our lifeguards are vigilant, parents and carers remain the most important layer of protection and should keep children within sight and reach at all times.
This year, Royal Life Saving Australia are encouraging everyone to ‘Go Blue’ for World Drowning Prevention Day. On 25 July, landmarks across Australia will light up blue to remember those who have lost their lives to drowning and reinforce the message that ‘anyone can drown, but no one should.’
You can also show your support by wearing blue as well as sharing water safety messages with family and friends.
Here are some more ways you can take action to help prevent drowning:
Together, we can help turn the tide on drowning.
*Source: Royal Lifesaving Australia
