Seven strategies to prevent drowning: technical package for policy-makers

Overview

Each year, drowning claims more than 300 000 lives globally. Although the vast majority of drowning deaths are preventable, many countries lack the policies, laws and governance mechanisms needed to ensure safe interaction with water. As climate change, urbanization, migration, informal employment and an increasing reliance on water transport reshape patterns of exposure to drowning risk, stronger policy action has never been more important.

Seven strategies to prevent drowning: technical package for policymakers provides practical, evidence-based guidance to help governments strengthen drowning prevention through policy, law and regulation. It presents seven priority strategies covering physical infrastructure, rescue and resuscitation, occupational safety for work around water, transport safety standards for travel over water, education in basic swimming and water safety, child-care systems and safeguarding, and threat preparedness for floods and other multi-hazard emergencies. Together, these strategies promote a systems approach to reducing drowning while supporting broader health, development and equity goals.

Developed for policymakers across sectors, the package is designed to support countries in developing, implementing and strengthening policies that create safer environments around water. Recognizing that countries are at different stages of progress, the package is intended to be adapted to national contexts and used alongside existing public health, sustainable development, climate resilience and economic development efforts.