Turning the tide on drowning
Every year, nearly 300,000 people lose their lives to drowning, making it one of the world’s most overlooked yet preventable causes of death.
Nearly 300,000 people lose their lives to drowning every year, representing a significant yet preventable cause of death, according to the World Health Organisation. Children aged five to 14 years are among those most at risk, with over 90 per cent of drowning fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Unsafe environments, such as rivers, ponds, lakes, wells, household water containers, and swimming pools, contribute to these tragic incidents.
The threat of drowning is exacerbated by climate change, as floods, storms, and rising temperatures increase exposure to water hazards. Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day, observed on July 25, the WHO introduced "PROTECT", a comprehensive strategy comprising seven practical actions to aid countries in saving lives. This approach emphasizes constructing safer water environments, enhancing rescue skills, safeguarding individuals who work near water, ensuring safe water transport, promoting swimming and water safety education for children, bolstering childcare and supervision measures, and preparing communities for floods and emergencies.
Rather than depending on a singular solution, the PROTECT strategy emphasizes collaboration between governments, educational institutions, families, and local communities. Experts stress that every drowning incident is a tragedy that can often be prevented. By transforming proven strategies into everyday actions, nations can mitigate unnecessary deaths and safeguard future generations.
The message is unequivocal: preventing drowning necessitates awareness, preparedness, and collective responsibility far before anyone sets foot in the water.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Star BD Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
