NCD Watch

Unintentional Drowning: Key Facts and Preventive Actions

16 July 2024 (Tue)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified drowning as a public health priority. Excluding drowning deaths caused by flood-related disasters and water transport incidents, globally an estimated 236 000 people die from unintentional drowning each year.

Anyone can drown but some groups of people have a higher risk of drowning. While drowning can occur anywhere there is water, certain behaviours make drowning more likely. However, unintentional drownings are preventable. Knowing how to play safe around the waters is crucial to prevent drowning and other water-related injuries.

Unintentional drowning is not uncommon in Hong Kong. Between 2008 and 2022, there were 587 registered deaths due to unintentional drowning. That equated to an average of about 39 unintentional drowning deaths per year over the past 15 years. To better understand the mechanisms and circumstances leading to unintentional drowning deaths so as to formulate appropriate health advices, the Department of Health (DH) reviewed 193 records of unintentional drowning deaths registered to the Coroner’s Court during 2012 to 2016 period.

Based on the findings of unintentional drowning deaths review, the Hong Kog Drowning Report provides health advices on drowning prevention. The general public are urged to enhance knowledge and skills on water safety, know the hazards, be alert and pay attention to family. For persons engaging in water activities, they should be prepared, know the environment and take care of companions.

The DH will continue to work in close partnership with other government department and community partners with a view to enhancing public awareness of drowning.

Source: NCD Watch July 2024