Commemorating World Drowning Prevention Day

An estimated 236,000 people drown every year, and drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years. More than 90 per cent of drowning deaths occur in rivers, lakes, wells, domestic water storage vessels and swimming pools in low- and middle-income countries, with children and adolescents in rural areas disproportionately affected. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death and  the global burden of death from drowning is felt in all economies and regions.

World Drowning Prevention Day, declared in April 2021 by UN General Assembly resolution, is held annually on 25th July. This global advocacy event serves as an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and to offer life-saving solutions to prevent it.

World Drowning Prevention Day  highlights the need for urgent, coordinated and multi-sectoral action on proven measures such as:  installing barriers controlling access to water; providing safe places away from water such as crèches for pre-school children with capable childcare; teaching swimming, water safety and safe rescue skills; training bystanders in safe rescue and resuscitation; setting and enforcing safe boating, shipping and ferry regulations; improving flood risk management.