Global status report on drowning prevention
#10 KEYFACTS ON DROWNING:
#1 DROWNING IS THE TOP CAUSES OF DEATH
Every hour more than 30 people lose their lives to a silent threat. It might happen anywhere, everywhere, in the home, outside of home where there is water. Drowning is often not spoken about. Drowning can affect everyone, but it hurts the kids and young people the most.
WHAT YOU CAN DO?
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death worldwide, but it is preventable with the right measures. Here’s what you can do to stay safe:
- Supervise Closely: Never leave children unattended near water. Keep them within arm’s reach.
- Learn to Swim: Swimming lessons equip individuals with vital survival skills.
- Wear Life Jackets: Use properly fitted life jackets during water activities, especially for non-swimmers.
- Never Swim Alone: Always have a buddy or swim in areas with lifeguards.
- Educate Others: Spread awareness about water safety and drowning prevention.
- Stay Vigilant: Avoid distractions and stay alert near aquatic environments.
Together, we can save lives.
#2: DROWNING IS THE 5th LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR CHILDREN AGE 1 to 4 & FOURTH (4th) LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR AGE 5 TO 14.
Children are at higher risk of drowning due to limited swimming skills, poor awareness of water hazards and unable to recognise danger.
#3: EVERY 7 MINUTES A CHILD YOUNGER THAN 5 LOSES THEIR LIFE TO DROWNING.
Every 7 minutes, a child under the age of 5 tragically loses their life to drowning. This preventable incident highlights the importance of water safety education, supervision, and teaching young children basic swimming and survival skills.
#4: IN YEAR 2021 ALONE, 300,000 PEOPLE DROWNED.
In 2021, an alarming 300,000 people lost their lives to drowning globally, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced water safety measures. Drowning is among the top causes of unintentional injury deaths, particularly affecting children and young adults. Many of these incidents occur due to a lack of swimming skills, poor supervision, or unsafe water environments.
Drowning is preventable through education, training, and infrastructure improvements. Programs like swimming lessons, water safety campaigns, and the use of life-saving equipment can significantly reduce these tragedies. Community-level interventions, such as fencing around water bodies and the presence of lifeguards, are equally critical.
Raising awareness about the risks of water-related activities and fostering a culture of water safety is crucial to saving lives. Governments, organizations, and individuals must work collectively to address this global issue and prevent further loss of life. Every effort counts in making water activities safer for everyone.
#5: IN LOW & MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES, THE DROWNING RATE IS MORE THAN 3 TIMES HIGHER THAN HIGH-INCOME COUNTRIES.
Drowning poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in low and middle-income countries, where the drowning rate is over three times higher than in high-income nations. Limited access to swimming lessons, water safety education, and life-saving infrastructure are key contributors to this disparity. Children and young adults are most at risk, often exposed to unsafe water bodies during daily activities like fishing, bathing, or transportation. Addressing this issue requires targeted interventions, such as community-based swimming programs, improved safety regulations, and affordable personal flotation devices. Raising awareness and investing in prevention strategies can save countless lives and promote safer aquatic environments.
#6: 22% OF COUNTRIES INCLUDE SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY SKILLS IN THEIR SCHOOLS CURRICULUM.
Only 22% of countries worldwide include swimming and water safety skills in their school curricula, leaving a vast majority of students without essential aquatic survival knowledge. This gap poses significant risks, especially in countries with abundant water bodies or high drowning rates. Teaching swimming and water safety in schools equips children with life-saving skills, builds water confidence, and promotes physical fitness. It also fosters awareness of aquatic environments, helping reduce accidents and fatalities. Governments and educational institutions must recognize the importance of integrating these skills into their curricula to ensure a safer, more prepared generation in an increasingly water-centric world. In Singapore, all Ministry of Eduaction (MOE) Primary school need to go thru a 10 to 12 session of complusory swimming lessons when they are in primary 3. This swimming program is known as Swimsafer Program where it comprises of 6 levels of swim proficiency and survival skills.
#7: 16% OF COUNTRIES HAVE LAWS THAT REQUIRING FENCING AROUND THE SWIMMING POOL.
Only 16% of countries have laws requiring fencing around swimming pools, a critical safety measure to prevent drowning incidents. Pool fencing acts as a physical barrier, reducing the risk of unsupervised access by children, a group particularly vulnerable to drowning. The absence of such regulations in most countries highlights a significant gap in water safety policies. Effective pool fencing should meet specific standards, such as appropriate height and secure, self-closing gates. Expanding and enforcing these laws globally, alongside public awareness campaigns, can significantly reduce preventable drownings and ensure safer environments around residential and public swimming pools.
#8: 2/3 OF COUNTRIES REPORT NATIONAL LAWS FOR THE USE OF LIFE JACKET WHILE BOATING.
Two-thirds of countries report having national laws requiring the use of life jackets while boating, reflecting a global effort to enhance water safety. Life jackets are essential in reducing drowning risks, particularly during accidents like capsizing or falling overboard. These laws aim to protect both experienced and novice boaters by ensuring everyone onboard is equipped with proper flotation devices. However, enforcement and compliance vary, leaving gaps in safety practices. Promoting awareness of life jacket importance and strict adherence to regulations can save countless lives. Wearing a life jacket should be a universal habit, ensuring safety for all water-based activities.
#9: DROWNING CAN AFFECT ANYONE.
Drowning is a silent threat that can affect anyone, even strong swimmers or cautious individuals. It can happen quickly and anywhere water is present, such as pools, rivers, or even at home. Taking responsibility and playing an active role in prevention is crucial. Always supervise children near water and ensure they wear proper life jackets. Never swim alone, and stay in designated safe areas with lifeguards. Learn essential water safety skills, such as floating and treading water, to be prepared for emergencies. Promote water safety education in schools and communities to raise awareness and reduce drowning risks for everyone.
#10: BETWEEN 2000 % 2001 DROWNING DEATH FALLEN 38%
Since 2000, the global drowning death rate has declined significantly, dropping 34% from 6.1 to 3.8 per 100,000 population. This reduction highlights the impact of improved water safety measures, public awareness campaigns, and increased access to swimming lessons. Enhanced lifeguard services, stricter safety regulations, and community education programs have also played vital roles in preventing drowning incidents. Additionally, advancements in rescue and medical response techniques have contributed to saving more lives. Despite this progress, drowning remains a public health concern, emphasizing the need for continuous efforts to educate communities and improve water safety practices worldwide.
Stay Afloat, Stay Safe – Prevent Drowning Today!
“Stay Afloat, Stay Safe – Prevent Drowning Today!” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of water safety for everyone. Drowning is preventable, yet it remains a leading cause of accidental deaths worldwide. By staying vigilant and practicing water safety, we can protect ourselves and others. Always supervise children near water, wear life jackets when needed, and never swim alone. Learning basic swimming and water survival skills is essential for staying safe in aquatic environments. Raising awareness through education and community initiatives can help reduce drowning incidents. Together, we can make a difference and create safer water experiences for all.
Drowning is something we can prevent if we can all work together involving Government, Organisation, Family and Friends. One life lost is one too many. One life saved is all worth it.
