World Drowning Prevention Day : Unite to Turn the Tide

Key Facts About Drowning

• Annual Toll: About 236,000 people drown each year worldwide.
• Child Risk: Drowning is a leading cause of death for children aged 5 to 14.
• Impacted Areas: Over 90% of deaths happen in low- and middle-income nations, mostly in rural rivers, lakes, and wells. 

Prevention and Safety Steps

• Supervision: Watch children closely near any open water or household containers.
• Barriers: Use fences and locked gates around pools and water storage.
• Education: Teach basic swimming and water safety skills early.
• Training: Train community members in CPR and safe rescue methods. 

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) PROTECT package outlines seven key strategies—physical barriers, rescue training, occupational safety, transport standards, education, childcare systems, and threat preparedness—to reduce drowning risks. Complementing these with fundamental water skills, such as horizontal back floating and vertical survival floating, significantly enhances safety. 

For more on WHO PROTECT package visit: https://news.howofwhat.com/turning-the-tide-global-launch-of-the-protect-framework

 Source: https://www.eurosafe.eu.com/news/world-drowning-prevention-day-2026