By Heather Massey
I was really proud to be at the launch of World Drowning Prevention Day at the House of Lords last week and wanted to highlight the messages to the outdoor swimming community and beyond. This year, the National Water Safety Forum is running the campaign in the UK to help people learn how to stay safe and know what to do if they ever get into trouble in the water. This year we are asking people to FIND THEIR FLOAT.
🚨 Why This Day Matters 🚨
Drowning claims an estimated 236,000 lives annually, making it one of the top ten causes of death for children aged 5–14 worldwide. In the UK alone, there were 193 accidental water related fatalities in 2024, with the majority of incidents occurring in inland waters like rivers and lakes. Many victims had no intention of entering the water—they were simply walking, running, or enjoying a day out.
World Drowning Prevention Day is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder that drowning is preventable, and that each of us has a role to play in saving lives.
đź’™ How You Can Get Involved đź’™
Whether you live near the coast or far inland, you can help spread awareness:
This year, we’re encouraging as many people as possible to learn a lifesaving skill – the science-backed self-rescue technique of floating.
If you get into trouble in the water, knowing how to float can save your life.
But we all float differently. By practising how to float in a safe and supported environment, you can learn what floating looks and feels like for you, helping you to be better prepared for an emergency situation.
“Float to Live”
In the UK, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has been leading the charge with its impactful “Float to Live” campaign. The message is simple but powerful: if you find yourself in trouble in the water, don’t panic—float.
The Five Steps to “Float to Live”:
- Tilt your head back, ears submerged.
- Relax and control your breathing.
- Move your arms and legs to help you float.
- Your legs may sink – that’s ok everyone floats differently.
- Practice floating at a supervised location like a swimming pool.
This technique has saved lives—from children caught in rip currents to joggers who slipped into canals. It helps counteract cold shock caused by going in to cold water.
Everyone on the OUTSIDE 2 swim courses will practice their float during the swim sessions. Although we treat it as a fun and relaxing activity, it also has a lifesaving purpose.
🌍 A Global Effort, A Local Impact 🌍
World Drowning Prevention Day is a chance for governments, schools, charities, and individuals to unite behind a common cause. The “Find your Float”—can ripple out and save lives.
If you’d like to explore more, check out the World Health Organization’s campaign page or dive into the RNLI’s Float to Live resources. Let’s make every second in the water a safer one.