TZ urged to recognise World Drowning Prevention Day

TANZANIA: THE water rescue expert and international drowning prevention advocate, Moses Ntilema, has called on African countries to officially recognise World Drowning Prevention Day, which is marked every July 25.

He calls for recognition of the day as a national and international observance, on par with globally acknowledged days such as World Aids Day and International Children’s Day.

July 2025 was a difficult month for many countries around the world, including the climate changes globally, whereby many water-related accidents have been reported, taking many lives due to drowning, natural disasters, climate changes and other human activities.

“I would like to take this opportunity to advise all Drowning prevention stakeholders, all water rescue authorities and all emergency and disaster management in the country to gather together and join the community to share and spread the message of world drowning prevention.

With this year’s theme ‘Your story can save a life’, it is important to remind that drowning prevention is not only about water safety and stimulus, it is also about stories. When you share these stories can change behaviour, influence the community and save the lives of many.

In an interview with the ‘Daily News on Saturday’ yesterday, as the world marked World Drowning Prevention Day, Ntilema, who is also a professional water sports athlete and founder of the Tanzania Lifeguarding Centre, urged governments, communities and stakeholders to prioritise drowning prevention amid rising cases linked to climate change and human activity.

“This day should be recognised across Africa. It is about remembering those lost to drowning and taking action to prevent future tragedies,” said Ntilema.

He emphasises that storytelling is a tool for raising awareness and influencing behaviour change around water safety.

Ntilema stressed that according to the World Health Organisation, over 236,000 people die from drowning each year, making it one of the leading causes of death for children aged 5–14.