What can other countries teach us about drowning

prevention and how can we adapt their ideas?

James Vaughan International Director, RNLI

This session

• I will share some thoughts and ideas

• Mainly but not exclusively from Low and Middle Income countries (LMICs)

• Talk for about 30-40 minutes, then open up the discussion

First, about me

17

Drowning, a

global problem ‘The silent epidemic’

The World Health Organization estimates that, globally

372,000 people drown every

year, that’s 40 people, every hour of every day

Global drowning facts

Equivalent 70% of the global death toll for

malnutrition and 60% for that of

malaria

9 out of 10 drownings ….take place in poorer countries…..often far inland

Over half of those deaths are among

those aged under 25

The highest rates of drowning are found in children aged 1-4

But, the number may be

much higher

Drowning is the single leading

killer of children over the age of

one in many parts of Asia….

What can other countries teach us about drowning prevention?

Drowning exposure

Risk areas for drowning

Recreation on or around water

Risk areas for drowning

Suicide and violence

Risk areas for drowning

Travelling by water

Travelling by water

Risk areas for drowning

Working on or around water

Risk areas for drowning

Living near water

Collecting water

Risk areas for drowning

Flood disasters

What can other countries teach us about drowning prevention?

Bangladesh Health Sector

Disaster Risk Sector

Surfing sector

Surfing sector

Gender

Defence sector

Logic Models

& Evidence

Leadership and accountability

What can other countries teach us about drowning prevention?

Just under half the world’s population have no access to piped water, meaning water holes, wells or surface water are the only water sources for drinking, washing, cooking and daily household chores.

Collecting water

Lack of barriers or signs around water hazards such as unsafe crossings, open wells, uncovered manholes and ditches in low- and middle-income countries poses a risk. In low- and middle-income countries, many homes in these settings are on lakes or river banks – some are built over the water – and this, along with poor flood disaster protection, puts local people at greater risk.

Living near water

Daily commuting and journeys made by migrants or asylum seekers often take place on overcrowded and unsafe vessels that lack safety equipment or are operated by personnel not trained to deal with transport incidents or high-seas navigation. Personnel under the influence of alcohol or drugs are also a risk

Travelling by water

The number of people exposed to hazards is rising with the increased frequency and severity of flood disasters, and unplanned urbanization. Drowning risks increase with floods, particularly in low- and middle income countries where people live in flood-prone areas and the ability to warn, evacuate, or protect communities from floods is weak or only just developing. Between 1980 and 2009 there were over 500 000 estimated deaths from floods and 2.8 billion people affected by floods worldwide (excluding tsunamis).

Flood Disasters

Small-scale fishing is estimated to employ around 37 million people worldwide – around 90% are in Asia.12 Reducing drowning risk for these and others who earn their living on or around water requires adequate enforcement of safety standards and equipment, and warning services such as weather alerts

Working on or around water

Recreation on or around water

In high income countries such as the UK, drowning occurs primarily among those participating in activities on, in or around the water, be that scuba diving, coastal walking or kayaking

Suicide and violence

Intentional drowning whether through acts of self harm or acts of violence occur around the world. The end result here is death by drowning, the solutions however may fit under much broader relating such as mental health, law enforcement and conflict resolution.

7 Risks associated with water