Each year there are an estimated 236,000 unintentional drowning deaths worldwide, with nearly 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths in the US. Across the US, unintentional drowning deaths continue to remain high in 2022.
● Drowning deaths are up more than 90% in Palm Beach County, Florida.
● Drowning fatalities in the Great Lakes continue to increase, with more than 45 deaths already reported.
● Colorado Parks and Wildlife fears that 2022 could exceed the state’s worst year of drowning deaths in 2020.
● Baby neck floats have resulted in the death of one infant and the hospitalization of another.
Although anyone can drown, the toll is more significant for young people. More children one through four die from drowning than any other cause of death except birth defects. In addition, the most recent annual drowning and submersion report released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows fatal child drownings and nonfatal drowning injuries in children under age 15 remain high.
Drowning Doesn’t Just Happen to Others
Every year our hearts break when we read the horrifying statistics. We convince ourselves that it won’t happen to us. But unfortunately, the families of those who drowned probably had those same thoughts. The harsh reality is that anyone can drown.
Certain situations increase the likelihood of a drowning accident; however, no one is immune to the possibility of the dangers of water.
World Drowning Prevention Day
July 25, 2022, marks the second annual World Drowning Prevention Day. Developed by the United Nations General Assembly, it aims to raise awareness about the disastrous effects of drowning on families and society, informing everyone about life-saving ways to prevent it.
Why World Drowning Prevention Day Is Important
● It helps to save lives
The day is devoted to learning how we can ensure public safety near bodies of water. For example, there are numerous ways to prevent drowning, from life jackets and float lines to paddlers and compatible swimwear.
● It helps spread the word
National Drowning Prevention Day raises awareness of the deadly consequences of drowning. In addition, it provides practical and lifesaving methods for preventing drowning that may be shared online and offline.
● It encourages strict supervision of children
Recommendations include constant adult supervision and barricades surrounding backyard pools. It also reinforces that providing adequate supervision in any aquatic environment, including the bathtub, is critical.
● Emergency training
National Drowning Prevention Day encourages more people to seek training to know how to react during water emergencies to safeguard the lives of people affected by drownings. For example, a lifeguard’s instruction on water safety can significantly minimize the number of drownings in the community.
● It highlights the crisis
One of the main goals of World Drowning Prevention Day is to raise awareness of the crisis and educate people about water safety precautions.
Ways To Observe World Drowning Prevention Day
Everyone can get involved on World Drowning Prevention Day!
● Enroll in swimming lessons
Enroll in swimming lessons to mark World Drowning Prevention Day. If you already know how to swim, brush up on your skills to stay safe.
● Raise awareness
Share information about the day on social media to raise awareness about drowning prevention. You can also share some swimming safety information. Remember to use the hashtag #WorldDrowningPreventionDay.
● Contribute to the prevention
You can also donate to organizations that educate children, families, and communities about water safety, like Stop Drowning Now.
Everyone Can Help Prevent Drowning
Together we can end the heartache of losing a loved one due to drowning. Take our Water Safety Challenge to measure your family’s water safety competence and help us provide water safety outreach to schools and community groups to keep kids safe.
