World Drowning Prevention Day – 25 July 2025

25 July 2025

Government, Press Release

On 28 April 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a historic resolution on global drowning prevention, recognising the worldwide scale and impact of drowning prevention.

Did you know that:

In the past decade, drowning caused 5 million preventable deaths
Drowning is a leading cause of death for people aged 1-24 years worldwide
Drownings are quick and silent. 80% occur within the victim’s home county
Alcohol is a factor in 1/3 of all drownings
Drowning most often happens when bathing, boating, walking or fishing.

What can we do on Ascension?

The Sea and Land Rescue team have placed Bystander Rescue Equipment at key locations across Ascension Island to be used while waiting for help to arrive.
Please familiarize yourself with this available equipment.

What should you do if you find a person in distress in the water?

Call for help – dial 999
Throw the Pink Rescue Buoy or a flotation device to the person in distress.
Do not enter the water, keep yourself safe.
Holding the knotted end, throw the 20-meter throw bag to the person in distress.
Note that the 20-metre bag and rope are both buoyant.
Once the person in distress grabs a hold of the 20-metre rope bag, pull them to safety.
Maintain constant visual contact with the person in distress.

If you have any questions, please contact Herby Meth
herbert.meth@ascension.gov.ac, 66698 or 41999

Operations and Facilities Directorate
25 July 2025