Every year on 25 July, Aotearoa New Zealand joins the global effort to mark World Drowning Prevention Day. This day raises awareness about the importance of drowning prevention and encourages everyone to take simple steps to help reduce preventable deaths.
Led by the World Health Organisation , this global initiative highlights that drowning is preventable. Around the world an estimated 236,000 people drown every year. Drowning is also one of the top ten causes of death for children aged 5-14 years.
In New Zealand, drowning remains a significant cause of accidental death. In 2024, we recorded 72 drowning fatalities, our lowest number since 2018 and a noticeable drop from 90 in 2023. With our strong connection to the water, from beaches and rivers to pools and lakes, it’s vital that we all do our part to continue to reduce harm when in and on the water.
One of the key messages of World Drowning Prevention Day is knowing what to do if you get into trouble in the water by learning to Float first . The actions you take in the first two minutes can make the difference between life and death. Floating on your back helps you stay calm, breathe, and gives you the best chance of survival.
Learn how to Float first. Remember: Float. Breathe, Signal. Survive.
This year, an event was held at Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool in Auckland, where Drowning Prevention Aotearoa (DPA) hosted activities and shared important safety messages. Two DPA staff members completed a 74-minute float for the Float first fundraiser , with some guests joining them along the way. Others took part in a 74-second group float, held in honour of the average number of lives lost to drowning each year.
Drowning doesn’t have a single cause or a single solution – but it is preventable
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