World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on July 25th, aims to raise awareness about a leading global cause of death, particularly among children and adolescents.
Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2021, the day highlights the impact of drowning and the need for preventive measures. This year's campaign, 'Unite for Drowning Prevention', focuses on prevention, aligning with the Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention which aims to reduce deaths by 35% by 2035.
Recent data indicates that over 90% of drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with rural children and adolescents being disproportionately affected. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events also contribute to this situation.
In Portugal, although recent figures show a downward trend, the Association for the Promotion of Child Safety (APSI) and the National Republican Guard (GNR) have launched a campaign to reinforce vigilance and safety in aquatic environments, reminding that drowning is rapid, silent, and can happen in shallow water.
