Published 15 December 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published the first-ever Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention, which reveals that more than 300 000 people died by drowning in 2021, that is more than 30 people drown every hour.

The Report presents data and case studies from over 130 countries and shows significant variations in both the context of drowning and the drowning prevention interventions that are in place.

For example, while 81% of countries have laws on passenger safety for travelling by boat, only 66% of countries mandate lifejacket use for recreational boating and transport on water.

WHO is also concerned that 86% of countries lack laws for fencing around swimming pools, which is key to preventing child drowning in certain settings.

The Report presents a benchmark to track drowning prevention progress over time, and is an important tool to map progress following the 2021 United Nations resolution on Drowning Prevention.

“Every drowning death is one death too many, and millions of people remain at risk. This report contains crucial data for policy-making and recommendations for urgent action to save lives.” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

The Report was funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. “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.

While Australia is tracking well, relative to most other similar countries, the Global Status Report highlights the very real need for a focus on drowning prevention in the 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, Royal Life Saving Australia.

“The Report shows that many countries are yet to establish national co-ordinating mechanisms or develop a national drowning prevention plan, two areas that have underpinned progress in Australia.” Dr Scarr says

WHO has developed an App to help people navigate global drowning data and the findings of the report. The App can be accessed here: WHO Drowning Prevention Data on the App Store