Far too many people around the world know the pain of losing a loved one to drowning. Each year almost 372 000 people die from drowning – over 90% of drowning occurs in low- and middle-income countries. More than 50% of these deaths are among those younger than 25, with children under 5 facing the most significant risk.

Whether it is small children slipping unnoticed into a pond, pool or well; military personnel lost in amphibious combat or search and rescue missions, passengers on vessels that capsize; or residents within proximity of water bodies (swimming pools, beaches, lakes and lagoons) or coastal communities struck by floods, the daily toll of this leading global killer continues its rise.

Africa has the highest drowning rates and Asia the highest drowning numbers.

Despite its global burden, drowning is PREVENTABLE. The imperative to act on drowning is not simply moral or political, it is also economic. The annual global cost of drowning mortality is estimated to be $146.9B1. Research also found that many low-income and middle-income countries have a disproportionately high cost of drowning, equivalent to over 0.8% of gross national income (GNI).