On 25 July, organisations around the world will mark World Drowning Prevention Day, a World Health Organization (WHO) campaign that highlights drowning as a preventable public health issue. This year’s theme, unite to turn the tide on drowning, calls for stronger collaboration and collective action to reduce drowning through prevention, preparedness and response.

The IMRF is proud to support this global effort and continues to work with its members and partners to raise awareness of drowning prevention and the vital role maritime search and rescue (SAR) plays in saving lives.

As part of its commitment to reducing drowning worldwide, this year the IMRF joined the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention, bringing maritime SAR expertise to a network of organisations working together to strengthen prevention efforts. Through this collaboration, the IMRF continues to advocate for the importance of effective rescue systems while supporting the development of practical guidance and evidence-based approaches.

While prevention measures such as water safety education and safer environments are essential, effective SAR capability also plays a vital role in saving lives when incidents occur.

The Global Drowning Prevention Strategy reflects this commitment, recognising that stronger collaboration, knowledge sharing and community-focused approaches are essential to creating safer environments around the water. The IMRF also continues to support this by sharing resources, promoting best practice and highlighting the contribution of SAR to global drowning prevention efforts.

These themes will be explored at the upcoming IMRF Conference, including discussions around preventative SAR and how the sector can work proactively to reduce incidents before they happen.

As World Drowning Prevention Day approaches, the IMRF encourages its members and partners to join the conversation and continue working together towards the goal of zero lives lost on the world’s waters.

Read more about the IMRF's collaboration with WHO.

Image: WHO World Drowning Prevention Day Toolkit 2026