World Drowning Prevention Day 2026: Stay Safe in and Around the Water

25 July is World Drowning Prevention Day, a United Nations-recognised awareness day that highlights the importance of drowning prevention and promotes actions that can save lives.

This year's theme, "Unite to Turn the Tide", encourages individuals, communities and organisations to work together to reduce drowning and improve water safety for everyone. 

With Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown's extensive coastline, beaches, harbours and popular swimming locations attracting residents and visitors throughout the year, World Drowning Prevention Day is an important reminder to stay safe in and around the water.

Recent warm weather has led to increased activity on Ireland's beaches, rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Water Safety Ireland, the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI are encouraging everyone to understand the risks associated with water activities and to take simple precautions that can help prevent tragedies. To date this year, 37 people have lost their lives in Irish waters.

In a message marking World Drowning Prevention Day 2026, Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Catherine Connolly, highlighted the importance of water safety, awareness and prevention.

Read the President's full statement. 

Supporting this year's campaign, Jerry Buttimer TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, has encouraged everyone to respect the water, learn lifesaving skills and look out for one another, helping to make Ireland's waterways safer for all. Watch the message from Minister Jerry Buttimer.

Simple Steps That Save Lives

Whether you're swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, boating or enjoying a walk along the coast, taking a few simple precautions can make a big difference:

• Choose lifeguarded beaches whenever possible.  
• Never swim alone. 
• Stay within your depth and know your limits.  
• Keep children under constant supervision near water. 
• Check weather forecasts, tides and local conditions before setting out. 
• Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid when taking part in water-based activities.
• Avoid alcohol when swimming or participating in water sports.
• Carry a means of calling for help, such as a fully charged mobile phone. 

Whether you're visiting Seapoint, Sandycove, the Forty Foot, Dún Laoghaire Harbour or any of our other coastal locations, we encourage everyone to take care and make water safety a priority.

For more information and water safety advice, visit www.watersafety.ie.