2023: Marking of World Drowning Prevention Day

Drowning is the leading cause of death, with over 2.5 million deaths in the last decade. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these deaths, around 90%, occur in low- and middle-income countries. Among the affected age groups, children aged 1-4 have the highest rate of drowning in the world, followed by children aged 5-9. These numbers reflect an alarming human, social and economic toll that is entirely preventable.

In response to this crisis, the 76th World Health Assembly adopted its first resolution on drowning prevention in 2023. This resolution confirms the invitation of the United Nations General Assembly to the World Health Organization (WHO) to lead efforts to coordinate activities within the UN System for the Prevention of Drowning. In addition, it emphasizes the importance of celebrating World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25 every year.

To mark World Drowning Prevention Day, WHO is committed to raising awareness of drowning as a critical public health issue. The goal is to remind people that drowning can happen to anyone, but no one should experience such a preventable tragedy. Furthermore, WHO aims to highlight six evidence-based and cost-effective drowning prevention interventions that countries and organizations can implement. These interventions offer great potential to significantly reduce the risk of drowning.