Group of Friends on Drowning Prevention HLPF side-event: Partnering for transformative, equitable & innovative action on drowning prevention

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues,

Fishing is widely recognized as one of the world's most dangerous occupations, and drowning is the leading cause of death in the sector. As climate change and growing demand for aquatic foods increase risks, improving safety in fishing has never been more important.

Through field projects around the world, FAO is working with regional organizations, Member countries, fishers and fishing communities to improve the quality of design, construction and equipment of fishing vessels, making them safer, more stable and better suited to local conditions.

FAO recommends that small-scale fishing vessels that go to sea should carry safety equipment and tools including life jackets, life rings, marine compass, radio communication, GPS for navigation, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, emergency flares, emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), anchor, paddles and navigation lights for safety at night. Equally important is safety training, yet many small-scale fishers still have little or no access to it.

In South Sudan, untreated timber absorbs water, becomes heavier, deteriorates rapidly increasing the risk of vessels disintegrating in the strong currents of the White Nile. FAO partnered with local boatbuilders to strengthen traditional wooden canoes using a proven wood epoxy technique, producing stronger, lighter and more durable vessels while building on local skills and repair practices.

For oyster harvesters in the Gambia, most of whom are women, reaching the mangroves means travelling by canoe through the estuary, without knowing how to swim. The risk of capsizing in bad weather makes every journey a source of risk and anxiety.

Through the EU and BMZ funded FISH4ACP project, FAO partnered with the Gambian Navy to develop a practical swimming programme: four weeks in a pool followed by two weeks of training in the Gambia River estuary. This simple cost-effective approach is helping reduce risks of drowning through training tailored to real world conditions.

As a result, 350 women from eleven fishing communities, learned to swim, gained confidence on the water, and made the oyster sector a safer and more attractive livelihood for others. As oyster harvester Marie Sambou put it: "We used to be really scared when collecting oysters. Now, we feel safer on the water and more confident in our work. The swimming course is truly transformative."

Innovation has emerged at a key theme during the safety at sea session at the FAO-ICES Symposium, held in Cairns, Australia, in May 2026, which brought together 115 experts from 36 countries. The symposium showcased a range of practical innovations including real-time vessel communication systems and weather alerts, while emphasizing that technology must be affordable, accessible and supported by training if they are to benefit small-scale fishers.

Participants also stressed that the persistent lack of safety in fisheries reflects a policy gap, highlighting the need for greater investment in safety training, awareness, access to essential safety equipment.

Through its Blue Transformation, FAO is committed to increasing capacity and access to safety at sea, social protection and decent working conditions, and to support and enhance safety standards for all fishing vessels. Making fisheries and aquaculture safer requires collaboration to raise awareness, strengthen knowledge, promote innovation, expand training and improve access to safer vessels and equipment. The solutions exist-our challenge is to scale them up.

This is why FAO is proud to be a member of the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention. Together, we can help ensure that fewer lives are lost to drowning and that everyone whose livelihood depends on water can return home safely.