Drowning deaths have continued to be a significant issue worldwide, with over 4,500 reported deaths in the U.S. each year from 2020 to 2022, an increase of 500 deaths per year from 2019. Despite this, drowning prevention has not received enough attention or funding as a public health issue. The problem disproportionately affects economically or socially disadvantaged communities globally, with around 90% of drowning deaths occurring in low and middle income countries.
One way to address the issue is by teaching more people how to swim, as lack of swimming ability increases the risk of drowning. National surveys have shown that around 55% of adults in the U.S. have never taken a swimming lesson, with economically or socially disadvantaged communities more likely to lack basic swimming skills. Efforts are being made to provide swim instructions for children ages 6 to 15 in states with higher numbers of drowning deaths, as well as in countries such as Vietnam.
Proper supervision is essential in preventing drowning, especially for children who may not fully understand the risks associated with water. Community supervision programs have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning by 88%, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to ensure children’s safety around water. In addition to supervision, barriers such as four-sided pool fencing can help restrict access to pools and other potential swimming areas.
Providing personal flotation devices and other safety equipment is important for individuals who may not be confident swimmers, as well as for experienced swimmers who may face unexpected challenges in the water. The Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative has supported efforts to stock different swimming areas with safety equipment to reduce the risk of drowning incidents. Enhancing data collection is also crucial in understanding the circumstances of drowning incidents and developing effective prevention strategies.
Improving data collection in low and middle income countries such as Uganda and Ghana has provided insights into specific populations, such as fisher folks, who are at higher risk for drowning. By gathering more data on drowning incidents, policymakers and public health officials can better understand the root causes of these incidents and implement targeted interventions to reduce the number of drowning deaths. Increasing public awareness of the risks of drowning and promoting water safety education are essential steps in preventing future tragedies in bodies of water during the summer season.
