Seconds to save a life: How to prevent drowning

Nearly a quarter of a million people in the world lose their lives to drowning every year, with about 82 000 of them children aged 1 to 14 years. While drowning can happen to anyone, it is almost always preventable. The tragedy is most prevalent in the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions, with more than a third of all drowning deaths occurring in the Western Pacific.

Drowning is abrupt, shocking, and often occurs silently. The circumstances leading to drowning can happen in just a few seconds: a small child slips unnoticed into a pond or pool; an overconfident adult jumps into the ocean for a swim after drinking alcohol; a passenger steps into a boat despite knowing it might capsize, or neglects to put on a life jacket.

More than 90% of drownings occur in rivers, lakes, wells, domestic water storage vessels and swimming pools, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries.

In April 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a historic resolution highlighting the need for coordinated, multisectoral action to prevent drowning, recognizing it as a leading cause of injury-related death and disability worldwide. The resolution calls on governments and partners to observe World Drowning Prevention Day annually on 25 July to raise awareness and promote urgent action for water safety.

Furthermore, in May 2023, the World Health Assembly adopted its first resolution on drowning prevention, requesting governments and partners − in collaboration with WHO − to accelerate efforts through 2029.

World Drowning Prevention Day 2024: Everyone can be a lifesaver

World Drowning Prevention Day carries a clear message: basic awareness and swift actions prevent drowning. Saving a life from drowning begins with knowledge of and respect for water. It is about transforming fear into preparedness and lack of awareness into preventative action. This year's campaign aims to empower every individual, turning passive observers into proactive lifesavers.

"It is deeply concerning that drowning continues to claim thousands of lives every year, especially among our children and young adults," said Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. "This preventable tragedy demands our immediate attention and action. By heightening awareness and implementing preventative measures, we can turn this around and save countless lives."

Simple measures, profound impact

The campaign encourages simple and effective measures individuals can take to prevent drowning:

• Keep watch over children while they are near water.
• Ensure swimming pools are fenced and access is controlled.
• Do not consume alcohol or drugs before entering water.
• Check the weather forecast before boating.
• Put on a life jacket when fishing.

In addition, governments and partner organizations can significantly reduce the risk of drowning by implementing these evidence-based and low-cost prevention interventions:

• Train bystanders in safe rescue and resuscitation.
• Teach school-age children basic swimming, water safety and safe rescue skills.
• Provide safe places away from water for preschool children, supervised by capable child-care providers.
• Install barriers to control access to water.
• Set and enforce safe boating, shipping and ferry regulations.
• Improve flood risk management locally and nationally.

"As we observe World Drowning Prevention Day 2024, please join us in spreading awareness and taking proactive steps to prevent drowning," says Dr Piukala. "Together, we can transform moments of potential tragedy into moments of triumph and ensure a safer future."

Read more information on the World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 campaign here.

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