Introduced on 19 July 2016 to mark the date of the foundation of FINA in London in 1908, World Aquatics Day is an opportunity to celebrate the importance of aquatic sports for social wellbeing, development and as a life skill everywhere around the world. 

"World Aquatics Day is a special occasion for the global aquatics community to celebrate and promote our mission of a world united by water for health, life, and sport," said World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam. "I am delighted that we have the opportunity to mark this important milestone on the sidelines of the World Aquatics Championships in the beautiful city of Fukuoka." 

Image Source: Aniko Kovacs/World Aquatics

"The benefits of aquatic sports cannot be underestimated. I have always said that I would not be the person that I am today were it not for my love of water." 

"This annual event is a moment for all Member Federations, all disciplines, and athletes from the elite to the every day to come together and get into the water, whether in pools, rivers, lakes, or the sea, and promote the benefits of aquatic sports in their own communities around the world. I encourage everyone to join us in celebrating the sport that so many millions of us love." 

World Aquatics Day builds on World Aquatics' Swimming For All – Swimming for Life Programme, a global initiative with the aim to teach and encourage people of all ages and abilities how to swim and promote physical activity through swimming around the world. The programme provides training and resources to help countries develop sustainable and accessible aquatics programmes, as well as highlighting the importance of water safety.