“You don’t drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there” is a motivational saying that has been printed on many images. The saying has been cited in print since at least the 1600s.
 
The saying had renewed popularity in the 20th century, when several popular speakers used it. Edwin Louis Cole (1922-2002), the founder of the Christian Men’s Network, is often credited—incorrectly—with coining the saying.
 
American motivational speaker and author Zig Ziglar credited Cavett Robert (1907-1997), co-founder of the National Speakers Association, when Ziglar wrote in Biscuits, Fleas, and Pump Handles (1974):
 
“My good friend Cavett Robert, whose ability as a speaker and sales trainer is overshadowed only by his characteristics as a human being, says much in this observation, ‘You don’t drown by falling into water, you only drown if you stay there.’”
 
   
Wikipedia: Edwin Louis Cole
Edwin Louis Cole (September 10, 1922 – August 27, 2002), also known as Ed Cole, was the founder of the Christian Men’s Network, a religious organization devoted to helping Christian men and fathers. He published many books and preached numerous sermons relating to men and religion.
 
Ed Cole Library
“You don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there.”
— Stephen D. King
 
Google Books
Two Treatises
By Daniel Dyke
London: Printed by Edward Griffin for Ralph Mab
1616
Pg. 188:
It is not the falling into the water, but the lying vnder the water that drownes.
 
Google Books
Solomonis Panaretos
By John Trapp
London: Printed by T.R> and E.M. by John Bellamie
1650
Pg. 363:
It is not the falling into the water that drowns one, but the lying in it.
 
Google Books
Biscuits, Fleas, and Pump Handles
By Zig Ziglar
Update
1974
Pg. 55:
My good friend Cavett Robert, whose ability as a speaker and sales trainer is overshadowed only by his characteristics as a human being, says much in this observation, “You don’t drown by falling into water, you only drown if you stay there.”
 
Google Books
Welcome to a Winner’s World
By Mike Murdock
Dallas, TX: Mike Murdock Evangelistic Association
1982
Pg. 46:
“You don’t drown byfalling in the water, you drown by staying there,” I replied. Get up from your situation. Start setting your success in motion.
 
5 September 1982, Farmington (NM) Daily Times, “Researchers Look At Global Psychology,” pg. 3A, col. 8:
YOU MUST RISK FAILURE IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS. YOU DON’T DROWN BY FALLING IN THE WATER—ONLY IF YOU STAY THERE.
 
Google Books
Creating Wealth
By Robert G. Allen
New York, NY: Simon and Schuster
1983
Pg. 18:
You don’t drown by falling in water. You drown by staying there. Failure is not bad. In fact, one good failure can teach you more about success than four years at the best university. Failure can be the best thing that ever happened to you.
 
16 November 1983, Shelbrook (Saskatchewan) Chronicle, “Goodale Takes Liberal Show On Road,” pg. 8, col. 3:
“You don’t drown by falling into water, you only drown if you stay there,” says Goodale.
(Ralph Goodale, leader of the Liberal Party of Saskatchewan.—ed.)
 
Google Books
You’re Born an Original, Don’t Die a Copy!
By John Mason
Altamonte Springs, FL: Insight International
1993
Pg. 24:
“You don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there,” said author Edwin Louis Cole.
 
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“You don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying here.” - Edwin Louis Cole
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10:02 AM - 20 Nov 2015