Drowning Prevention: A Global Issue We Can Help Change
World Drowning Prevention Day, recognized annually on July 25, brings awareness to drowning as a preventable public health issue and highlights the importance of working together to save lives. According to the World Health Organization, drowning claims more than 300,000 lives worldwide each year, with children and young people among those most impacted. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children ages 5–14, but proven prevention strategies, including swimming education, water safety awareness, supervision, and emergency preparedness, can help reduce these tragedies.
This year’s theme, “Unite to Turn the Tide,” reminds us that everyone has a role to play in creating safer communities around water.
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn lifesaving skills and feel confident in and around the water.
At the YMCA of Greater Nashua, we know water safety is an essential life skill. Through swim lessons, water safety education, and community programs, we help children and families build confidence, learn how to respond in an emergency, and develop skills that can last a lifetime.
On July 25, we are bringing our community together to recognize World Drowning Prevention Day through education, connection, and meaningful ways to make an impact. From learning essential water safety skills to participating in a fun fundraiser that supports the Y’s mission, everyone can play a role in helping create a safer community around water.
Explore the ways you can get involved below:
🐤 For the Love of the Y Duck Race
Make a splash and adopt a duck for our first-ever For the Love of the Y Duck Race at the Merrimack Y!
From now until July 22, you can make a $10 donation to adopt a duck and join the fun. Each adopted duck will receive a race number and compete across the Merrimack YMCA pool, powered by some very large fans, as they duck and dodge their way to the finish line.
The first three ducks to cross the finish line will win prizes:
🥇 First Place Duck: $100 Gift Card
🥈 Second Place Duck: $50 Gift Card
🥉 Third Place Duck: $25 Gift Card
Your duck adoption helps support the YMCA’s mission and provides opportunities for children and families throughout our community, including programs that build confidence and safety around water.
Click Here To Adopt your duck Today!
🌊 Free Water Safety Event
In honor of World Drowning Prevention Day, the Merrimack Y will host a FREE Water Safety Event open to the community.
Join us from 12–2 PM to learn and practice important water safety skills, including:
• Safe entry and exit
• Self-rescue skills
• Swimming to safety
• And more!
Whether your child is just beginning to learn how to swim or building confidence in the water, this event provides valuable skills that can help keep our community safer.
Free Event | Open to the Community | Registration Required
Click Here Register To Reserve Your Free Swim Lesson Spot!
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Water safety is more than learning how to swim. It is about building confidence, creating opportunities, and giving every child the chance to feel safe and successful around water.
Your support helps the YMCA continue providing life-changing programs and financial assistance to children and families in our community. Together, we can ensure more children have access to experiences that build confidence, strengthen skills, and create brighter futures.
Give the gift of opportunity and help support the YMCA mission today.