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Around 300,000 people drown worldwide every year. It is a staggering number, yet this global problem isn’t receiving the serious attention it needs.
What are the causes
International funding
The international drowning problem is vast, but we know that simple, inexpensive solutions are very effective. A small amount spent on overseas projects can change countless lives.
£3.1m spend on international projects in 2024
2% of the RNLI's total spend is on international projects
At just 2% of the RNLI’s total spend, this covers everything from advocacy work at the United Nations to setting up training pools in Bangladesh.
Your gift can make all the difference
It costs less than £100 to teach a class of 30 children water safety lessons, or to teach a child to swim in a safe, supervised environment. It only costs £2.50 to pay for a whole month of day-care for one child in a creche in Bangladesh. Whether your donation is large or small, it will help save lives in countries worst affected by drowning.
Using funds well
During any project, we help partners with organisational development to ensure they can continue without the RNLI’s support – in particular finding sustainable ways to fund their services in future.
We are also seeking funds from a wide range of other organisations, trusts, foundations, businesses and donors to support our international work.
The scale of the global drowning problem is a human disaster too big for us to ignore.
THE RNLI’S APPROACH
Around 300,000 people drown every year, making this a killer that affects every country to some degree.
SEE THE COUNTRIES
Lifesavers worldwide can download free guides to help develop their own services.
Get the resources
With the causes of drowning varying widely, there is no single solution.
saving lives internationally
We can’t take on drowning alone - and we don’t have to. We’re working with a committed and diverse group of organisations to reach more people and save more lives worldwide.
WHO WE WORK WITH