Marking World Drowning Prevention Day, 25 July, the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) called for urgent, co-ordinated action under the theme “Unite to Turn the Tide,” aiming to reduce global drowning deaths by 35% by 2035.
Drowning claims more than 300 000 lives annually, averaging 30 deaths every hour, with children under five accounting for nearly a quarter of all fatalities. It remains one of the leading causes of death globally for young people aged 5 to 14, with over 90% of incidents occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
To achieve the 2035 target, the UN urges governments and communities to implement practical safety measures, including installing physical barriers around water sources, providing supervised childcare, teaching basic swimming skills, and training bystanders in safe rescue and resuscitation techniques.
–ChannelAfrica/UN–
