25/07/2026
π Happy World Drowning Prevention Day! π
Globally, drowning takes more than 300,000 lives every year.
There are many things you can do to help prevent drowning. Learn about drowning issues in different countries and communities and share what you learn. Understand that drowning is a process with three possible outcomes: survival, survival with injury, or death.
Some people who experience drowning may die later from complications, while others can sustain serious lifelong brain injuries due to a lack of oxygen.
Learn CPR and understand the importance of prioritising rescue breaths in drowning emergencies.
Wherever you are in the world, please remember to be responsible in and around water. Influence children and young people to make safe choices and supervise children closely at all times.
Most drowning deaths occur inland in rivers, ponds, lakes and other natural waterways. Never go alone. Ask local people about water conditions, currents, depths and hazards. Understand the depth of the water before entering and never swim beyond your ability. Even strong swimmers can drown. At the coast, learn about rip currents and how to recognise and avoid them.
Avoid alcohol before and during water activities, as it impairs judgement, coordination and your ability to respond to danger. Only get into a boat if you have a properly fitted lifejacket.
Learn about local wildlife, marine life and environmental hazards that may be dangerous. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
In colder countries, learn about cold water shock and hypothermia. In warmer countries, learn about dehydration, heat-related illness, changing weather conditions, flooding, fast-flowing rivers during rainy seasons, and local water hazards.
π¦ Anyone can drown, but no one should. π¦
Today, we celebrate the work of our delivery partner, Hile Teuk Kampuchea Organisation (HTK) using education to prevent drowning in Cambodia. HTK teaches survival swimming, water safety, drowning awareness, rescue skills and CPR. We also thank RNLI, UNICEF Cambodia - ααΎααααΈαα»ααΆααααααααΌα and the The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa for strengthening and supporting our partnership.
Please follow Hile Teuk Kampuchea Organisation (HTK) and help spread awareness of their vital work.
Together, we will unite around this year's global theme,
'Unite to Turn the Tide', to strengthen collaboration and raise awareness of drowning prevention across the world.
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-drowning-prevention-day/2026
SWIM Cambodia raises funds that go directly towards sustaining HTK's lifesaving programmes and helping more children and communities stay safe around water.
Please donate if you can.
https://swimcambodia.org/donate/
If you live in Cambodia and would like to volunteer to help raise funds, support events or contribute in other ways, please get in touch.
Wherever you are in the world, we can help create a future where everyone has the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe in and around water.
Thank you,
Conrad,
SWIM Cambodia
