Saudi Arabia’s integrated national efforts to prevent drowning have reduced drowning-related deaths by 31% since the adoption of the National Drowning Prevention Policy in 2021 through the end of 2025. These efforts have also helped avoid an estimated SAR 1.33 billion in economic losses, supporting the goals of
Saudi Vision 2030 to improve life expectancy at birth.
The announcement coincides with Saudi Arabia’s annual observance of World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, following the Council of Ministers’ approval to officially adopt the occasion. The initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to protecting lives, promoting water safety, and strengthening a whole-of-government approach to prevention, in line with the Health in All Policies concept and the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program under Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia has developed a comprehensive national drowning prevention system led by the Public Health Authority (
Weqaya) through the Permanent Joint Committee for Drowning Prevention, with the participation of 13 government entities. The initiative has strengthened coordination, unified preventive efforts, and directed evidence-based interventions toward the highest-risk groups and locations, contributing to measurable improvements in public health and saving lives.
The national model has also gained international recognition. During the 2026 World Health Assembly in Geneva, Weqaya presented Saudi Arabia’s experience under the theme “From Decision to Results: A Scalable Model for Implementing Drowning Prevention Efforts.” The presentation highlighted how governance, data-driven decision-making, and cross-sector collaboration have translated national policies into tangible outcomes that support global efforts to reduce drowning-related deaths and injuries.
On the community level, Weqaya emphasized the importance of following water safety measures, including constant adult supervision of children in or near water, never leaving them unattended, securing swimming pools with appropriate barriers and gates, swimming only in designated areas, following lifeguards’ instructions and warning signs, checking weather conditions before engaging in marine activities, and learning swimming skills for both children and adults.
Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its drowning prevention system by expanding data-driven interventions and enhancing collaboration among relevant entities, reinforcing the sustainability of these achievements and positioning the Kingdom as a global model in protecting lives and promoting community safety.