World Drowning Prevention Day 2026

That the Parliament recognises that 25 July is World Drowning Prevention Day, which was declared by the UN General Assembly in 2021 to raise awareness of the impact of drowning on communities and highlight measures to prevent water-related fatalities; welcomes the theme of World Drowning Prevention Day 2026, Unite to Turn the Tide on Drowning; understands that there are on average 96 water-related fatalities in Scotland each year, including around 50 accidental deaths; recognises that Scotland’s extensive coastline of approximately 6,000 miles and its many inland waters make swimming ability and water safety knowledge particularly important; commends the work of Water Safety Scotland, Scottish Swimming and other partners in promoting water safety education and drowning prevention initiatives; acknowledges what it sees as the importance of teaching swimming, water safety and safe rescue skills training people in rescue and resuscitation techniques, improving flood risk management, enforcing safe boating regulations and installing appropriate barriers to control access to water where necessary, and encourages continued efforts to improve water safety awareness and reduce preventable drowning incidents in Scotland and around the world.