Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention

The IMRF plays an important role in global drowning‑prevention efforts through its collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). As the recognised international body for maritime search and rescue (SAR), the IMRF provides specialist operational and technical expertise across a number of WHO working groups, consultations, and publications.

A significant milestone was the IMRF’s contribution to the development of the first‑ever Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention. By bringing its maritime SAR expertise to the table, the IMRF helped ensure that rescue capability and coordination are positioned as an important part of the global efforts to save lives. Launched by the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention with support from WHO, the strategy outlines a ten‑year plan to reduce drowning deaths by 35% by 2035.

Across other initiatives, the IMRF serves as a credible and authoritative voice for the maritime SAR community. Its input helps shape technical guidance and policy frameworks, where SAR capability, preparedness, and coordination are essential. By embedding SAR considerations into WHO guidance, the IMRF reinforces the global understanding that effective drowning prevention relies not only on strong public‑health interventions but also on resilient, well‑coordinated rescue systems.

Drowning claims more than 300,000 lives each year. The burden falls heaviest on low and middle-income countries where people often live and work beside water, and where protective measures such as barriers, childcare, lifeguards and search and rescue (SAR) services are limited.

The strategy highlights drowning as both a public health and development issue. It affects progress on child survival, safe transport, education, climate resilience and economic productivity.

Caroline Jupe, CEO of the IMRF, said: “The Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention represents the most comprehensive international effort to date to reduce drowning deaths. It offers governments, practitioners and communities a clear and evidence-informed blueprint for action. It also sends a powerful message that drowning is preventable when knowledge, coordination and resources come together. For the IMRF and the global SAR community, the strategy marks an important step towards a safer and more resilient future for people everywhere.

“The IMRF is pleased to have been invited to contribute to the priority intervention on search and rescue within this important strategy. Alongside the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the IMRF has been recognised as a global organisation supporting governments and partners in implementing the recommended actions for SAR. We also welcome the IMO’s active role as a member of the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention, ensuring that maritime search and rescue - often overlooked - is firmly embedded within wider drowning prevention efforts worldwide. This engagement strengthens key commitments and policies and highlights the vital role of SAR in saving lives.”

To support this work, the strategy sets out six pillars of action. These are governance and leadership, multisectoral collaboration, data and reporting, advocacy and awareness, financing and resources, and research and innovation. Together, they form the foundations for a sustained and coordinated global effort.

To turn commitment into action, the report identifies 10 priority interventions that can be scaled according to national need. SAR is one of the 10 priority interventions, reflecting the critical role of coordinated response systems in preventing loss of life. Stronger collaboration between national authorities, the IMO and organisations is encouraged, particularly in the development of protocols, training and the strengthening of regional capabilities. The strategy also emphasises the importance of local responders who often act as the first source of help during an emergency.

The strategy’s focus on strengthening SAR capability reflects an approach that closely mirrors the IMRF’s longstanding commitment to unite, empower and strengthen the global maritime SAR community to save lives and create lasting impact.

Click on the link to download the Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention