July 13, 2026

Now in its fifth year, World Drowning Prevention Day was established by the World Health Organization and the UN to honor lives lost to drowning and call for urgent action on water safety and drowning prevention.

For families and communities who have experienced the devastating loss of a loved one due to drowning, this day is an opportunity to turn grief into action, raise awareness about the crisis of drowning, and bring much-needed attention to water safety.

We are mobilizing cities, buildings and landmarks across the U.S. to light up in blue on July 25 to bring attention to this ongoing public health crisis. With nearly 100 locations across 36 states already confirmed to participate (building tracker) – including Philadelphia’s One Liberty Place, the Cities of Orlando and Tampa, FL, Chicago’s 875 North Michigan Avenue, two NFL stadiums, Houston City Hall and the Hawaii Convention Center – the response has been overwhelming. Our goal is to literally shine a light on the drowning crisis and drive greater awareness and education around water safety nationwide.

How to Participate

  • Building outreach: If you know any buildings in your city or state that would be able and willing to participate, we encourage you to reach out to them. Attached is a sample letter of outreach.
  • Social media posts: Visit the lit-up buildings in your area, take pictures, and post about the initiative either on or after World Drowning Prevention Day to help increase visibility to our united cause. Suggested copy below.
  • Submit photos: Send photos of the participating building, landmark etc. in your area to swim@thezacfoundation.org so we can highlight this national initiative.

Suggested Social Media Copy

This #WorldDrowningPreventionDay, [local building name] lit up blue alongside nearly 100 sites across 36 states.

Approximately 4,500 people drown every year in the U.S. alone. That’s over 12 preventable deaths every day.

Together with @who, @usnwsap, and @thezacfoundation, we’re United to Turn the Tide on drowning, because water safety matters and drowning prevention is everyone’s responsibility.

#WorldDrowningPreventionDay #UnitetoTurntheTide

Links & Downloadable Content

Light It Blue Campaign Flyer

Sample letter of outreach

World Drowning Prevention Day, Unite to Turn the Tide Campaign Toolkit 2026