WHO Report: Over 300,000 Drown Annually, Urgent Action Needed
Global Drowning crisis: New Report Highlights Urgent Need for Prevention
Published December 15, 2024
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A sobering new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals the devastating global impact of drowning, with over 300,000 lives lost in 2021 alone – more than 30 people drowning every hour.The first-ever Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention paints a stark picture of the issue, highlighting meaningful variations in drowning prevention efforts worldwide.
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While 81% of countries have laws regarding passenger safety on boats, only 66% mandate lifejacket use for recreational boating adn water transport. Alarmingly, 86% of countries lack laws requiring fencing around swimming pools, a crucial measure to prevent child drownings.
“Every drowning death is one death too many, and millions of people remain at risk,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This report contains crucial data for policy-making and recommendations for urgent action to save lives.”
The report,funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies,serves as a benchmark to track progress on drowning prevention and a vital tool to monitor the implementation of the 2021 United Nations resolution on the issue.
“Drowning continues to be a major public health issue, but progress is possible, particularly if governments work with strong partners at the local level,” said Michael R. Bloomberg,founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies, WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries, and 108th mayor of New York City.
Regional Disparities Highlight Need for Action
While Australia is performing relatively well compared to other similar nations, the report underscores the urgent need for increased focus on drowning prevention in the Indo-Pacific region.“Countries in the Indo-Pacific show drowning rates 4-5 times higher than ours, and in many countries in Asia drowning is a leading cause of death in children 1-14 years,” said Dr. Justin Scarr, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Life Saving Australia.
Dr. Scarr emphasized the importance of establishing national coordinating mechanisms and developing thorough national drowning prevention plans, two key factors contributing to australia’s progress.
Accessing Global Drowning Data
The WHO has developed a user-friendly app to help navigate the global drowning data and findings presented in the report. The app is available for download on the App Store: [link to app].
The Global Status Report on Drowning prevention serves as a critical call to action for governments,organizations,and individuals worldwide to prioritize drowning prevention and work towards saving lives.
Focus on Prevention: Addressing the Global Drowning Crisis
NewsDirect3 Interview with Dr. Justin Scarr, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Life Saving Australia
NewsDirect3: Dr. Scarr, the WHO’s new global report on drowning paints a sobering picture. What were your key takeaways?
Dr. Scarr: The report is a vital wake-up call. While australia is performing relatively well compared to othre similar nations, the Indo-Pacific region faces a severe drowning crisis. Countries in that region see drowning rates 4-5 times higher than ours,and tragically,drowning is ofen a leading cause of death for children aged 1-14 in many Asian countries.
NewsDirect3: The report highlights significant variations in drowning prevention efforts worldwide. What are some crucial areas for improvement?
Dr. Scarr: Establishing national coordinating mechanisms and developing comprehensive national drowning prevention plans are crucial. These are key factors in Australia’s progress, and other countries can learn from this model.
NewsDirect3: The report reveals a lack of legislation around crucial safety measures like lifejackets and pool fencing in many countries. how can we address these gaps?
Dr. Scarr: We need a multi-pronged approach. Advocacy for stronger legislation, coupled with public awareness campaigns to emphasize the importance of these safety measures, is essential.
NewsDirect3: What is Royal Life Saving Australia doing to contribute to global drowning prevention efforts?
Dr. Scarr: We’re working closely with international partners, sharing best practices and advocating for increased investment in drowning prevention programs globally.
NewsDirect3: What message do you have for governments and individuals around the world?
Dr.Scarr: We must recognise drowning as a preventable public health crisis. Every drowning death is a tragedy, and we all have a role to play in preventing them. Governments need to prioritize drowning prevention, and individuals can take simple steps like learning CPR and supervising children around water.