Drowning

Abstract

Drowning is a major public health challenge, yet it is preventable provided people have the appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes. This article provides a snapshot of the current understanding and challenges around drowning and its prevention. Drowning impacts the young and those from low- and middle-income countries, especially where bodies of water are close to where they live. Drowning prevention will require multiple actions, focused on the risk factors specific in their content as well as being appropriate to the target group and setting. Drowning is a serious public health issue that must receive the same attention as other public health priorities.