Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid. Outcomes are classified as death, morbidity and no morbidity.

Attention! Please keep yourself and others save around water.

Drowning is sudden, abrupt, and shocking, with people often not realizing it’s happening until it’s too late. There are around 300 000 annual drowning deaths worldwide.

Anyone can drown, but no one should!

Who’s most at risk of drowning?

Young children are at a particularly high risk of drowning due to an underdeveloped ability to assess risk, and a lack of swimming and water safety skills.

The drowning death rate among males is more than twice as high as females. Males are also more likely to be hospitalized than females for non-fatal drowning.

Drowning disproportionately affects poor and marginalized people. Whether it be through the use of ponds, rivers or lakes for bathing and washing clothing, or using open wells for collecting water.

Individuals with occupations such as commercial or subsistence fishing face a substantially higher risk of drowning.

Travelling on water, particularly in dangerous weather conditions or without appropriate safety equipment, can increase drowning risk.

Climate change is causing more extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves. Drowning accounts for 75% of deaths in flood disasters.

How to prevent drowning?

🔹 Equip yourself and your kids with swimming skills.
🔹 Always keep a close eye on kids near water.
🔹 Never leave children unattended, even for a moment.
🔹 Always check weather and weather conditions before swimming.
🔹 Avoid drinking alcohol when supervising children.
🔹 Avoid drinking alcohol when swimming.
🔹 Ensure life buoys and jackets are available and used correctly.