Second Edition of The RLSS Commonwealth Fatal Drowning Fact Sheet

To mark World Drowning Prevention Day 2025, we are pleased to share with you the second edition of the RLSS Commonwealth Fatal Drowning Factsheet.  The Factsheet illuminates fatal drowning in Commonwealth countries – a significant yet preventable cause of loss of life.

In 2021, more than 121,000 people died from drowning in Commonwealth countries, with a fatal drowning rate of 4.7 per 100,000 per year.  Notably, 40% of global drowning deaths occurred in Commonwealth countries.

The Factsheet contains data tables and figures to support our understanding of drowning in the Commonwealth.  It presents fatal drowning numbers and rates for all Commonwealth countries and the regions of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe, and the Pacific.

Fatal drowning is preventable.  RLSS and our member organisations lead, collaborate, and participate in evidence-based drowning prevention strategies and actions to reduce the tragic drowning burden.

To see the full document please click on the following link: https://www.rlsscommonwealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RLS_CommonwealthFS2025_FINAL-1.pdf