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National Drowning Prevention Day

Show your support on National Drowning Prevention Day - learn the facts, spread the word, and help save lives!

Saturday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJuly 25

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPublic Health

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

July 25th marks National Drowning Prevention Day, a day to bring awareness to the dangers of drowning and how to prevent it. This day was created in 2008 by the World Health Organization as part of their Global Water Safety Initiative. It serves to remind everyone that even though water is fun and enjoyable, there are risks involved that must be acknowledged in order for us all stay safe this summer!

TIMELINE

National Drowning Prevention Day Timeline

First Swimming Schools

During the 1800s, the first swimming schools were established in Europe and America to teach individuals how to swim, a key to drowning prevention.

American Red Cross's Emergency Care Program

The American Red Cross initiated the Emergency Care Program in 1974 that provides water safety training, including CPR and rescue techniques.

Establishment of Safe Kids Worldwide

The organization Safe Kids Worldwide was founded in 1983 to help prevent accidental childhood injury, including drowning prevention.

CDC Starts Drowning Prevention Program

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began a comprehensive drowning prevention program, offering resources and education on water safety.

First National Drowning Prevention Day

The World Health Organization established National Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, 2008, as part of their Global Water Safety Initiative.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Drowning Prevention Day

Learn CPR

Take a course in CPR and know how to save a life in case of an emergency. You could even get certified if you want to take it a step further.

TEACH

Teach your kids water safety

Take time to show your children proper pool safety, supervise them around any body of water, and explain the risks of drowning.

ORGANIZE

Organize a beach clean up

Gather friends and family together and organize a beach clean up. Removing debris from the beach can help reduce the risk of someone getting hurt or drowning.

ATTEND

Attend a drowning prevention event

See if there are any events in your area organized around National Drowning Prevention Day and attend one. You’ll likely learn more about water safety and what can be done to prevent drownings.

DONATE

Donate to drowning prevention organizations

Make a donation to drowning prevention organizations like the American Red Cross, YMCA, or others that are dedicated to making sure everyone learns how to be safe in the water.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Drowning Prevention Day is Important

Water safety education is essential

It's important to educate yourself and those you care about on proper water safety measures so that everyone knows how to stay safe while enjoying the water. National Drowning Prevention Day is a great time to talk to friends and family members about these topics and share tips on how to swim safely.

Drowning is preventable

Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury and death for children in the U.S. However, it is also completely preventable by taking steps to learn about water safety, like knowing basic rescue techniques and making sure that all children are supervised around water.

Drowning can be deadly

Most people don't realize how quickly a drowning can occur or how deadly it can be if not prevented. Drowning can occur within seconds without warning - it doesn't necessarily involve loud calls for help or flailing arms as many people may think. Therefore, it's important to always take every precaution when swimming in rivers, lakes and oceans.

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On World Drowning Prevention Day, let's raise awareness and promote safety measures to prevent tragic accidents in the water. Stay safe and swim smart!

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