National Drowning Prevention Day is observed annually on 25 July to raise awareness of the devastating and long-term consequences of drowning on families and communities, as well as the lifesaving measures that can be taken to prevent it. Annually, an estimated 236,000 people drown, making it one of the top ten causes of death for children aged five to fourteen. Toxicological studies indicate that rural children and adolescents are more likely to drown than their urban counterparts. Let’s examine in greater detail how to prevent drowning, especially in minors.
The background of National Drowning Prevention Day
World Drowning Prevention Day, which was instituted by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution “Global Drowning Prevention” in April 2021, is observed annually in July.
This global advocacy event provides an opportunity to emphasise the devastating and profound effects of drowning on families and communities, as well as to propose lifesaving measures to prevent it from occurring again. Annually, an estimated 236,000 individuals drown, making drowning one of the top ten primary causes of death for children and adolescents aged one to 24.
More than 90% of drowning deaths in low- and middle-income nations occur in rivers, lakes, springs, wells, and home water storage vessels. Drowning disproportionately effects children and adolescents in rural areas.
The objectives of World Drowning Day include providing safe places away from water, such as childcare centres for pre-school children with qualified carers, teaching swimming, water safety, and secure lifesaving skills, coaching bystanders in safe rescue and resuscitation, establishing and enforcing safe boating, shipping, and ferry regulations, and enhancing flood risk management.
According to a recent decision by the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has been tasked with coordinating efforts to prevent drowning across the entire United Nations system. WHO fulfils this duty by planning a global launch event, generating relevant advocacy materials, and promoting global, national, and local actions. It assists individuals and organisations in comprehending the global context of drowning and drowning prevention, as well as in utilising the advocacy materials created for the event to enhance their own efforts and encourage their networks to do the same.
5 SHOCKING FACTS ABOUT DROWNING
Drowning is among the top ten causes of death among infants and adolescents aged one to twenty-four worldwide.
In the past decade, drowning has claimed the lives of over 2.5 million people, making it a significant global issue that was previously largely ignored.
The annual quantity of drowning deaths is estimated to be 236,000.
Life jackets are designed to keep you afloat in water; they will mechanically turn you face-up to prevent drowning by keeping your mouth and nose out of the water.
After pools, bathtubs are the second most common place where infants and toddlers drown; however, buckets, bath seats, wells, cisterns, septic tanks, decorative ponds, and lavatories are also potential sources of drowning for infants and toddlers.
NATIONAL DROWNING PREVENTION DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | July 25 | Tuesday |
2024 | July 25 | Thursday |
2025 | July 25 | Friday |
2026 | July 25 | Saturday |
2027 | July 25 | Sunday |