World Drowning Prevention Day is observed annually on July 25.
The day is observed to raise global awareness, remember those lost to drowning, and share life-saving prevention strategies after the declaration approved by the UN General Assembly in April 2021.
It is estimated that nearly 236,000 people drown every year. Among the ten leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years drowning is one of them which occurs over 90% deaths 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.
Meantime, World Health Organization (WHO) is launched a new technical package– Physical infrastructure, Rescue and resuscitation capability, Occupational safety, Transport safety, Education in swimming and water safety, Child‑care systems and safeguarding and Threat preparedness for multi‑hazard emergencies– to help governments and communities implement seven proven measures to reduce drowning deaths.
Climate change is increasing drowning risks. Extreme weather events such as floods, storms and heatwaves are becoming more frequent, contributing to higher risk of drowning.
The protect package is being launched in Ghana where an estimated 1100 people die from drowning annually.
This year’s World Drowning Prevention Day theme, “Unite To Turn The Tide,” reflects the need for coordinated action across governments, sectors and communities to prevent drowning and save lives.
Since 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies has partnered with WHO on drowning prevention, supporting the development of foundational resources that have guided global best practices for prevention interventions, including the protect technical package.
