(Undated) — The World Health Organization is launching a new effort to try to prevent drownings.
Every year, 300-thousand people die from drowning, and it’s among the leading causes of death among children. Drowning is the fourth leading cause of death among children aged 1–4 years and the third leading cause of death among children aged 5–14 years. Children under the age of five account for approximately 25% of all drowning deaths globally, highlighting the urgent need for targeted prevention measures.
Gender also plays a significant role in drowning risk. According to WHO, males experience more than twice the drowning death rate of females, largely due to greater exposure to water-related activities, occupational hazards, and higher levels of risk-taking behavior. Geographic disparities further emphasize the unequal burden of drowning. Drowning death rates are more than three times higher in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries, reflecting differences in access to swimming education, safe water infrastructure, emergency services, and public safety measures.
The organization wants to put in place what it calls seven proven measures to reduce drowning deaths in an effort to help governments on the matter. That includes swimming and water safety education, flood preparedness, and safety around water.
