The global drowning report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) is shocking, and the worldwide loss of 372,000 lives to drowning each year is both disturbing and unacceptable, the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) said in a written statement.
The IMRF welcomes the report for putting the issue firmly on the global health agenda, and supports its recommendations for improved data, national water safety strategies, tailored programmes and global partnerships.
The WHO estimates 372,000 lives are lost each year to drowning. That’s more than 1,000 people every day, or 40 every hour. More than 90% of these losses happen in low- and middle-income countries.
The WHO data is the best available but, with drowning deaths going unreported in many countries, the picture is incomplete, and the actual number of deaths is likely to be much higher. To understand the true scale of the issue, more information is needed and better recording of data is vital, says the IMRF.
The IMRF believes that, as a minimum standard, every nation should have a national drowning prevention strategy, underpinned by a range of practical, effective programmes and interventions.
Active discussions are already taking place between the IMRF and other organisations, including the International Life Saving Federation (ILS), the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Commonwealth, the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Australia, Plan UK, Safe Kids Worldwide and Lifesaving Society Canada, to consider forming a coalition, with members committed to making drowning prevention a global priority and creating a plan for concerted and united action.
The IMRF draws particular attention to the loss of lives in low- and middle-income countries among artisanal fishermen and the users of water transport, including ferry passengers, as well as the continuing and severe loss of life among asylum-seekers and migrants attempting to cross seas, lakes and rivers to safety.
“All too often safety standards are too low or have to be ignored to make a living. All too often safety information, such as weather forecasting, is not readily available. All too often people in trouble at sea or on other open waters cannot raise the alarm when they get into difficulty, or do not have the survival equipment that might keep them alive until help comes. All too often there are no search and rescue facilities to help them: the IMO’s Global SAR Plan is far from complete,” said Bruce Reid, IMRF Chief Executive. “We need improved data, to help us focus on the problems properly and, with our partners, implement really relevant responses. We need effective implementation of safety standards, so that accidents are fewer, and less deadly when they do occur. And we need good-quality search and rescue facilities. With these things, we can help reduce these appalling drowning figures. The challenge is there. It is up to everyone who can to take it up.”
The full report by WHO can be downloaded here
Press Release; Image: WHO