By Samson Ogowewo
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly in April 2021 affirmed drowning as a preventable global public health issue. Hence, it declared 25th July of every year as World Drowning Prevention Day.
This year’s theme is ‘Do one thing to prevent drowning’. It therefore means that, it is our responsibility to ensure drowning is stopped or it is significantly reduced to the minimum level.
According to the Natural Water Safety Forum, globally, an estimated 235,600 people drown every year, and drowning is among the 10 leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years.
In 2021, the UK saw an increase in accidental drowning with the key issues being,
inland open waters, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries continue to be the leading locations with 62 percent of deaths.
Males continue to over represent with 83 per cent of deaths 40 per cent people had no intention to enter the water, such as those walking, with causes including slips, trips and falls, being cut off by the tide, or swept in by waves
However, it is important to celebrate this day as it is an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities around the world and offer life-saving solutions for prevention.
Hence, taking steps to prevent drowning becomes imperative. As an individual, we can share water safety advice, enroll in swimming classes for those whose jobs are water related or getting to work has to do with passing through water.
Your donation or support to civil society organization (CSO) local drowning prevention groups is very important.
Set up water safety campaigns, support/deliver new drowning prevention initiatives, local public events, such as seminars forum just to mention a few.
Governments at all levels should launch prevention policies and strategies, and commit to prevention programmes on a wider scale. Actively convening public discussions from petitions by our lawmakers on this matter is another way to go.
Putting all these measures in place will help in preventing drowning.
