WHO Unveils Strategies to Tackle Global Drowning Crisis
In anticipation of World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a comprehensive technical package aimed at helping governments and communities implement seven effective measures to decrease drowning fatalities.
Globally, nearly 300,000 people succumb to drowning annually, with the condition ranking among the top ten causes of death for children aged 5–14 years. Most drowning incidents occur in natural and domestic water bodies such as rivers, lakes, wells, water storage containers, and swimming pools. Alarmingly, over 90% of these fatalities happen in low- and middle-income countries.
Climate change is exacerbating the risk, with extreme weather events like floods, storms, and heatwaves becoming more frequent. Research illustrates a strong link between rising temperatures and drowning incidences. For instance, in the United Kingdom, a study revealed a 7.2% increase in drowning deaths for every 1°C rise in temperature, with risk nearly quintupling on days exceeding 25°C compared to those below 10°C.
“Every drowning is a preventable tragedy,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The seven PROTECT strategies offer countries practical, evidence-based methods to prevent these incidents, such as enhancing water transport safety, teaching swimming to schoolchildren, and preparing for floods. Drowning prevention requires a collective effort, and the lives we save are the ultimate reward.”
The PROTECT Strategies
The seven strategies, encapsulated under the acronym PROTECT, provide actionable policy guidance as part of the inaugural Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention. Initiated by the WHO-hosted Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention in 2025, the PROTECT package offers policymakers concrete, evidence-informed recommendations across seven interconnected domains to bolster water safety.
Ghana has been chosen for the launch due to its growing political commitment to drowning prevention and ongoing efforts to enhance water safety. The country records approximately 1,100 drowning deaths annually, disproportionately affecting children and young adults, equivalent to about three deaths each day.
The launch underscores Ghana’s leadership in combating this preventable issue and highlights the urgency for other nations to adopt evidence-based approaches to diminish drowning incidents and safeguard at-risk communities.
This initiative builds on more than a decade of collaboration among WHO, governments, and partners to advance evidence-based drowning prevention actions globally.
“This framework will save lives and build on the progress made by governments worldwide to curtail drowning deaths in their countries,” said Dr. Kelly Henning, head of the public health program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Bloomberg Philanthropies has collaborated with governments globally to implement proven, effective strategies to reduce drowning deaths. We commend the WHO for its leadership and anticipate continued support for local governments utilizing the PROTECT technical package.”
Since 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies has partnered with WHO in drowning prevention, aiding the development of foundational resources that inform global best practices for prevention interventions, including the PROTECT technical package.
This year’s World Drowning Prevention Day theme, “Unite to turn the tide,” emphasizes the necessity for coordinated action across governments, sectors, and communities to prevent drowning and save lives.
Note: For specific medical advice or information on drowning prevention, consult a medical professional.
