Marking International Drowning Prevention Day in partnership with the Australian Embassy

Drowning has caused 2.5 million preventable deaths over the past decade - 650 a day around the world, according to World Health Organization statistics.

The Israel Life Saving Federation marked International Drowning Prevention Day with an event in partnership with Australian Ambassador Ralph King, in keeping with the ILSF and the embassy's multi-year tradition.

At the event, Ambassador King noted that men are disproportionately the victims of beach drownings, while ILSF board chairwoman Osnat Avital emphasized the organization's role in emergency response and resilience as well as drowning prevention education.

In attendance were representatives from municipalities including Herzliya, Netanya and Ashkelon, ILSF partners including WIZO, the Israel Surfing Association, beach-sport NGOs including Bayit Al Hayam and Hagal Sheli, as well as ILSF volunteers and embassy staff.

Children participants in the ILSF's beach safety education program demonstrated rescue skills in the ambassador's swimming pool, while adult volunteers showed more advanced techniques for handling unconscious drowning victims.