The Kingdom Ranks First Globally in Water Safety and Rescue Standards

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture announced that the Kingdom leads the world in meeting the highest standards of water safety and drowning prevention since the adoption of the “National Drowning Prevention Policy.” The Ministry confirmed that the 17% decrease in drowning deaths reflects the effectiveness of national programs in promoting public safety and achieving economic and societal impact.

This came during a workshop organized by the Ministry to coincide with World Drowning Prevention Day, which falls on July 25 of each year. This initiative was launched by the Public Health Authority (Weqaya), with the participation of several government agencies. The Ministry activated the initiative through its awareness programs and internal activities, in addition to highlighting it on its digital platforms. The goal is to instill community awareness of the importance of safe behavior in aquatic environments and implement approved preventive policies to protect lives.

The workshop explained that the Kingdom’s leading position in water safety standards is due to: Through the implementation of (12) integrated national drowning prevention initiatives, the Kingdom has avoided an economic burden estimated at more than (800) million riyals, reflecting the impact of preventive policies and investment in national initiatives.

She added that the National Drowning Prevention Policy aims to develop a water safety system through a unified national framework focused on protecting lives in various water bodies within the Kingdom, through policies based on local regulations and legislation and consistent with international treaties. She noted that the Kingdom adopts global best practices, consistent with its environmental and geographical characteristics.

The workshop emphasized that the tangible results achieved in reducing drowning rates and avoiding economic burdens are due to the integration of national efforts and the strengthening of cooperation between relevant authorities. It also highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to building an effective and sustainable water safety system, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aim to protect lives and enhance quality of life.