World Drowning Prevention Day is a global advocacy event dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of water safety education. Drowning is quick, silent and fully preventable. The U.N. General Assembly designated July 25th as World Drowning Prevention Day to help prevent drowning and educate on preventative efforts. At the Y, we are committed to water safety and education, striving to protect and enhance our community’s well-being.
The Importance of Drowning Prevention
While water is a source of fun and enjoyment for everyone, we can’t ignore its avoidable dangers. In the last decade, drowning has caused over 2.5 million deaths worldwide. Travis County is fortunate to have one of the lowest child drowning rates among major Texas cities, averaging 2.4 incidents a year. However, even one drowning is one too many. Children ages 1-9 are particularly at risk, highlighting the importance of programs like Project Safe, which provides lifesaving swim lessons to our youth.
Based on information provided by YUSA and Texas DFPS
Steps to Prevent Drowning
- Children should always wait for an adult before entering the water.
- Adults shouldn’t assume that more grown-ups equal more safety. Always designate a water guardian to watch children in and around water.
- Ensure children learn how to swim through certified swim lessons.
- Install barriers such as pool fencing, to prevent unsupervised access to water.
- Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Drowning is a preventable tragedy, and by taking simple precautions, we can ensure that everyone stays safe while enjoying the water. On World Drowning Prevention Day, let’s come together to make a difference.
- Enroll in Swim Lessons: Help your children become confident swimmers by enrolling them in swim lessons at the Y.
- Explore Project Safe: Learn more about the Project Safe program in collaboration with Colin’s Hope, which offers critical aquatic safety, swim lessons and fitness education to pre-k – 1st grade students at no charge to parents.
By prioritizing water safety, we can keep our community safe and ensure that everyone has a great time in and around the water. Join us in making a splash safely!
