World Drowning Prevention Day – anyone can drown, no one should!

On the evening of 25 July, the Glen Waverley Civic Centre will be illuminated in blue as we join people across the world in recognising World Drowning Prevention Day.

Sadly, we are reminded of the hundreds of Australian families that lose loved ones to drowning every year.

The World Health Organisation has estimated that 236,000 people drown every year globally, and that drowning is among the 10 leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years.

However, preventing fatal and non-fatal incidents is possible when we take responsibility for our own safety in and around water by:

participating in swimming and water safety lessons
understanding the risks and knowing how and when to enter the water safely
supervising children and other vulnerable people in aquatic environments
knowing that this is the responsibility of community, families, friends and carers.

Just like Dory’s signature song in the popular animated movie Finding Nemo we urge you to Just Keep Swimming, to stay calm in the water and never give up on learning water safety skills.

At this time of year, when Melbourne’s temperature drops, it can be all too tempting to leave the towel and swimming goggles at home. The Active Monash aquatic team is urging you to maintain your swimming fitness and keep participating in your swimming and water safety lessons.

WORLD DROWNING PREVENTION DAY

The United Nations proclaimed World Drowning Prevention Day in April 2021 and it is held annually on 25 July. This global advocacy event serves as an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and offers life-saving solutions to prevent it.

Watch the World Health Organisation’s video: Anyone can drown, no one should (who.int)

HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION

Find out more about our Swimming and Water Safety lessons for teens and adults:

Adult Swimming Lessons Active Monash

Learn about maintaining supervision in aquatic centres and keeping watch around water:

Watch Around Water - Parents/Guardians (lsv-from-anywhere.com.au)

WHERE YOU CAN GET STARTED

Find out more about our Aquatic and Recreation Centres

Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre

Address: 626 Waverley Road, Glen Waverley

Phone: 03 9265 4888

Email: activemonash@monash.vic.gov.au