Drowning poses a widespread and critical public health concern on a global scale, constituting 7% of all injury-related fatalities and resulting in an estimated 236,000 unintentional injury deaths each year. This hazardous situation demands immediate attention and decisive measures to address the risk factors associated with drowning.
The impact of drowning is felt across different economies and geographical regions, as highlighted in the Global Drowning Report. Low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt of unintentional drowning deaths, accounting for over 90% of such fatalities. Particularly alarming is the concentration of more than half of the world’s drowning cases in the WHO Western Pacific Region and the WHO South-East Asia Region, where drowning mortality rates are 27-32 times higher compared to countries like the United Kingdom or Germany.
According to WHO, global estimates of drowning might significantly underestimate the true extent of the problem, exacerbating the challenge at hand. Official data classification methods often exclude intentional drowning deaths (suicide or homicide), as well as drowning incidents caused by flood disasters and water transportation accidents. This leads to a substantial underrepresentation of the total drowning toll, especially in high-income countries.
Age is a critical determinant of drowning risk, with children aged 1-4 years facing the highest drowning rates, closely followed by children aged 5-9 years. In the WHO Western Pacific Region, children aged 5-14 years are at particularly high risk compared to other causes of death, underscoring the need for proper supervision and water safety education for young children.
Gender disparities also play a significant role in drowning rates, with men being twice as likely to drown as girls. Risk factors such as swimming alone, consuming alcohol before swimming, and boating further contribute to higher drowning rates among men. Additionally, individuals engaged in water-related occupations, like commercial fishing, and children living near open water sources are also at an elevated risk of drowning.
Flooding emerges as a major concern, accounting for 75% of drowning deaths during such events. Climate change-induced increases in the frequency and severity of floods pose a growing threat, especially in low- and middle-income countries with inadequate warning, evacuation, and protection systems.To combat drowning effectively, a multidimensional approach is essential, focusing on education, safety measures, and policy implementation.
Measures like supervised daycare for preschoolers, providing basic swimming and water safety education for school-age children, and implementing safety interventions like pool barriers can all help reduce the risk of drowning. Furthermore, the development and enforcement of national water safety policies, as well as safe boating and ferry standards, are crucial steps in minimizing drowning accidents.
Given these alarming statistics and the urgency for action, the World Health Organization (WHO) and various international partners have launched significant programs dedicated to drowning prevention. In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly passed the first-ever drowning prevention resolution, designating July 25th as World Drowning Prevention Day.
WHO collaborates with governments, non-governmental organizations, and other UN agencies to establish drowning prevention initiatives and improve data collection and research efforts. By investing in preventive and evidence-based drowning prevention measures between now and 2050, approximately 774,000 children can be saved from drowning, leading to substantial public health and economic benefits.
The establishment of a Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention demonstrates the international community’s commitment to addressing this preventable public health crisis. Continual collaboration, innovative solutions, and a shared dedication to saving lives and promoting water safety are crucial in our collective efforts to reduce the devastating toll of drowning and safeguard communities worldwide.
