Drowning is a serious public health problem where most of the drowning deaths are preventable. Globally, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury/ death after traffic injuries and sudden deaths.
Drowning is rated among the top 10 leading causes of death of children under 5 years and young males (higher in comparison with women) worldwide. Approximately 372000 people die from drowning (worldwide) every year.
Drowning is the Third Leading Cause of Unintentional Injury Deaths in the WHO South-East Asia Region
Between 2014 and 2018 the burden of fatal drownings reported by eight of the WHO South-East Asian Region’s 11 countries showed no significant reduction. Exposure and interaction with water varies across countries, and there exists a wide range of challenges – as well as opportunities – for improving water safety in different parts of the Region.