Swimming South Africa makes waves with nationwide water safety drive for World Drowning Prevention Day

Swimming South Africa (SSA) has launched a nationwide campaign to commemorate World Drowning Prevention Day, activating its

network of affiliates to deliver life-saving water safety initiatives across the country.

Drowning remains a pressing global public health issue, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating more than 236 000 drowning deaths annually worldwide. In South Africa, approximately 1 500 lives are lost to drowning each year, with children being the most vulnerable.

Under the campaign theme "Making Every Splash Count," SSA is prioritising high-impact grassroots programs in vulnerable communities. The KwaZulu-Natal rollout leads the national initiative, with key events taking place in KwaMashu and Durban’s city centre.

SSA-affiliated provinces will drive three main activities throughout the campaign period:

• Water Safety Education Workshops: Delivering critical drowning prevention knowledge to pupils and community members.

• Pool Splash Sessions: Practical Learn-to-Swim lessons conducted in safe, controlled environments.

• Community Engagement Drives: Promoting public awareness of water safety through interactive activities and stakeholder collaborations.

In partnership with the eThekwini Municipality and local stakeholders, SSA officially launched the campaign today at KwaMashu D Section Swimming Pool.

Over 100 pupils from neighbouring schools participated in water safety workshops, featuring talks from multiple partners, followed by Learn-to-Swim lessons conducted by SSA-certified instructors from KZN Aquatics.

The program continued at the Rachel Finlayson Swimming Pool in Durban’s city centre, where 50 children engaged in a similar session. Activities at this venue will run as follows:

Venue: Rachel Finlayson Swimming Pool

Dates & Times: Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 July, 10am-12pm

SSA invites all community members to participate in these free, life-saving sessions. “Be part of making every South African a swimmer and every South African water-safe,” urged an SSA spokesperson.

“Every child deserves the chance to be safe around water,” said Alan Fritz, President of Swimming South Africa. “Through the ‘Making Every Splash Count’ initiative, we are not only teaching life-saving skills but also empowering communities to take ownership of water safety. Together, we can drastically reduce preventable drownings and build a nation where every South African can swim and thrive.”

"SSA extends its sincere appreciation to all affiliates for championing water safety and drowning prevention," the organisation stated. "Drowning is a preventable tragedy. Through united action between SSA, our affiliates, municipalities, schools and communities, we can save lives and build a water-safe South Africa. The Durban launch is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we equip our youth with essential swimming skills and safety knowledge."

Communities nationwide are encouraged to contact their Provincial Swimming Affiliates to learn more about local World Drowning Prevention Day activities.

Stay connected and show your support by following #WorldDrowningPreventionDay #WaterSafety #MakingEverySplashCount #SwimmingSA and #SwimForLife on social media.