“Striving to make a planet that’s 70% water, 100% water safe.”
About International Water Safety Day
International Water Safety Day (IWSD) is celebrated on May 15th each year and is designed to help spread global awareness of the ongoing drowning pandemic, and educate the youth in becoming safer in and around water. The lack of water safety education has propelled drownings worldwide and is why IWSD is a global team effort to make drowning preventable. IWSD is proud to announce several global events taking place on May 15th, 2015. These are a few of the many examples of how IWSD is celebrated around the world:
Safe Greece
Dr. Stathis Avramidis’ project will reach nearly 500,000 school children in Greece to teach Water Safety. The event is endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Hellenic CDC, International Swimming Hall of Fame, Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, Hellenic Federation of Underwater Activity, and International Awards Guiseppe Sciacca.
Bridging the Hydrological Divide
Diversity in Aquatic Programs will celebrate International Water Safety Day at the Jim and Jan Moran, Boys & Girls Club, Deerfield Beach Florida. A collection of aquatic professionals from across Broward County and the nation, will gather to interact with the children ages 7-14, to educate and practice some basic water safety skills, as well as showcase and promote the plethora of Safe Water Sports, activities, and professions in the classroom environment.
IWSD in Jamaica
A team of Aquatic Professionals along with Jamaican Olympian Janelle Atkinson-Wignall will present International Water Safety Day in Kingston, Jamaica. The team will make an impact on hundreds of students teaching our 10 #WaterSafety Rules in classroom settings.
Water Safety Awareness Workshops
In recognition of International Water Safety Day, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation is conducting citywide Water Safety Awareness Workshops from Saturday, May 9 through Friday, May 15 with Parks aquatic program participants attending including parents of tots, children, adults, senior citizens, swim team members and those with disabilities. The Water Safety Awareness Workshops will reach over 5,000 children.
Water Safety Carnival
International Water Safety Foundation teams up with Sail Nauticus and Norfolk Public Schools to put on the 1st Annual Water Safety Carnival. Discussions on lifejacket safety, boat safety, sailing knots, and a life ring toss will be addressed. Two-time Olympic swimmer Dr. James Walsh will be guest speaking.
How You Can Show Support on May 15th:
- Use the hash tags #watersafetyday and #stopdrowning on social media
- Share our Drowning Pandemic video (above)
- Download a badge from IWSD website to add to your blog our webpage
- Wear BLUE
- Connect and become active with the local aquatic professionals, enthusiasts, coaches and athletes in your area, to create your own International Water Safety Day Event for next year
Go to www.internationalwatersafetyday.org for more information on how to host or sponsor an #IWSD event!
