WHO Global Report on Drowning: Preventing a Leading Killer

WHO Global Report on Drowning: Preventing a Leading Killer

Report Describes Neglected Worldwide Public Health Problem & Prevention Measures

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued its first-ever global report focused exclusively on drowning, Global report on drowning: preventing a leading killer.

Every hour of every day more than 40 people die by drowning worldwide. Drowning is one of the top 10 leading causes of death for children and young people in every region of the world. More than 90% of drownings happen in low- and middle-income countries, and many drowning deaths go unreported. WHO points out the need for better data, but also that drowning is highly preventable and solutions are relatively simple and inexpensive.

Some community-based actions to prevent drowning include:

• Teaching school-age children basic swimming, water safety and safe rescue skills
• Installing barriers controlling access to water
• Training bystanders in safe rescue and resuscitation

CDC & Water-Related Injury Prevention

CDC uses a public health approach to address this preventable leading cause of death worldwide. CDC collaborates with federal and non-federal partners to build the knowledge base for drowning prevention and to ensure the best evidence is used to guide action.

Learn More

• WHO Report: Global report on drowning: preventing a leading killer
• CDC: Water-Related Injuries
• CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC): A Model Public Swimming Pool and Spa Code

Spread the Word

• Facebook: Drowning is one of the top 10 leading causes of death for children in every region of the world. A recent WHO report aims to bring more attention and action to this highly preventable worldwide public health challenge. View the report and learn more about CDC’s research on water-related injuries at: http://go.usa.gov/Fh2H.
• Twitter: Across the globe 40+ people drown every hour. @WHO & @CDCInjury call for stronger prevention measures http://bit.ly/1qZQSvL.