This #WorldDrowningPreventionDay – the 2025 theme #shareyourstory is designed to prevent drownings through shared experiences. Will you share yours?
Locally this is an opportunity to draw attention to New Zealand's own drowning statistics and encourage a culture of water safety in Aotearoa.
Last year, 74 people lost their lives to drowning – that is 74 too many.
Many drownings involve preventable behaviour such as not wearing lifejackets, swimming alone, alcohol and other drugs, or overestimating ability.
- In 2024, 90% of craft-related drownings were not wearing a lifejacket
- 88% of 2024 drownings were adults (65 people out of 74 total drownings)
- 73% were male adults (people aged 25 and above)
- Nearly 20% of people who drowned in 2024 were near one of NZ’s highest risk drowning locations
Sharing stories and experiences is a powerful way to help save lives and prevent drowning.
This might be as simple as an acknowledgement that this World Drowning Prevention Day you want to remind New Zealanders to be safe around water - wear a life jacket, be aware of risk, make sure you can 'float' - or you may have a more personal story or experience that you might consider sharing - using the hashtags of #worlddrowningpreventionday #shareyourstory #watersafetynewzealand #drowningprevention
If you would like to share your story in another way rather than utilising social channels - we can support you to do that.
Please email: elizabeth@watersafety.org.nz
Remember - drowning is solvable, the power is in prevention. Together we can make a real difference and build a culture of water safety in New Zealand.
Tools are available here to help you share your story online.
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