The WHO Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention (2024) identifies that globally, there were an estimated 300 000 drowning deaths in 2021 – this is equivalent to more than 30 people losing their lives to drowning every hour of every day. Almost half of these fatalities are under the age of 29, and one quarter are under the age of five.
Drowning disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized. The vast majority of drowning deaths (92%) occur in low- and middle-income countries, where drowning death rates are 3.2 times higher than those in high-income countries.
Safe rescue and resuscitation by trained bystanders are a drowning victim’s best chance for survival.
Prevention is essential, because when someone starts to drown, the outcome is often fatal. Survival usually depends on the speed of rescue from the water and how quickly proper resuscitation can take place.
The RLSS is committed to extending reach with educational resources to help save lives of those in low or limited resources settings. Community CPR programs have been shown to save lives, and this booklet and related resources are being made available to help those who could not otherwise afford materials to assist with the learning of these critical lifesaving skills.
NB: To avoid any potential confusion in recommended CPR guidance or techniques, the RLSS recommends you follow any government or resuscitation council guidelines relevant to your region for the apparent drowned person.
