According to the World Health Organization, globally, across all ages, 236,000 lives are lost to drowning annually.
- Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths.
- There are an estimated 236 000 annual drowning deaths worldwide.
- Global estimates may significantly underestimate the actual public health problem related to drowning.
- Children, males, and individuals with increased access to water are most at risk of drowning.
Following these developments, humanitarian bodies have taken upon themselves to educate the public across the world and here are 6 drowning prevention tips by UNICEF
Ensuring Water Safety for Children: Key Tips to Prevent Drowning
Playing in or around water can be a delightful experience for children but also poses significant risks. Drowning is one of the top ten causes of death for individuals aged 1-24, with children under 5 being especially vulnerable. Here are some expert recommendations to keep your family safe.
1. Learn CPR and Basic Water Rescue Skills
Parents and community members should be trained in CPR and basic water rescue to respond effectively in emergencies without endangering themselves. Local emergency responders, lifeguards, and swimming clubs often offer such training.
2. Supervise Children Diligently
Always keep a close watch on children near water. Do not depend on others for supervision. Avoid distractions like mobile phones and conversations. Stay within arm’s reach of children in the water, and call for help immediately if a child is missing.
3. Install Barriers to Restrict Water Access
Fences around pools, ponds, or other water bodies at home can prevent unsupervised access. Cover wells, water containers, and cisterns. Empty buckets and portable pools after use, and keep toilet lids and bathroom doors closed when not in use. Advocate for fencing around public water spaces in your community.
4. Provide Safe Alternatives Away from Water
Community daycare centers offer a safe and engaging environment for preschool children away from water. Check local options for your child.
5. Teach Swimming and Water Safety
Teaching school-age children (over 6 years) to swim significantly reduces drowning risks. Many schools, emergency responders, and swimming clubs offer swimming lessons.
6. Be Prepared for Bath Time
Ensure all necessary items are within reach before placing a young child in the tub to avoid leaving them unsupervised. Always empty the tub after use.
Recognizing Drowning Signs and Responding
Signs of Drowning
A drowning person might not be able to call for help. Look for signs like struggling to swim, pressing arms up and down, or attempting to stay afloat.
Keep a Mobile Phone Nearby
Always have a phone near water to call for emergency services if needed. Memorize and write down emergency contact numbers.
Find Help Immediately
Call for help at the first sign of trouble. Notify a lifeguard if available, or have someone call emergency responders.
How to Rescue a Drowning Person
Remember: “Throw, Don’t Go”
Only lifeguards or trained responders should enter the water for a rescue. Use objects like a tree branch or pole to extend your reach and pull the person to safety. If they are out of reach, throw a floating object, such as a life jacket or a ball. After rescuing, check the person’s airway, breathing, and circulation, and seek professional help immediately.
- Steady yourself and use an object to increase your reach, such as a tree branch, a pole or another long object.
- Extend the object to the person in trouble and slowly pull them to safety. To avoid being pulled into the water yourself, keep your body low and lean back.
- If the person in trouble is out of your reach, throw something to them that floats, such as a life jacket or another floating object like a ball or even a cooler.
- Seek out a professional. After the person at risk of drowning is safely out of the water, check the ABCs (airway, breathing and circulation) and have someone call for an emergency first responder.
Important Facts
- Toddlers can drown in as little as 5 cm of water.
- Young children can drown silently in as little as 25 seconds, making constant and close supervision essential.
