By Treasure Uboh-Ekong

Ahead of World Drowning Day 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a new seven-point prevention strategy after warning that nearly 300,000 people die from drowning globally every year, with the vast majority of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

The organisation said drowning is one of the ten leading causes of death among children aged between five and 14 years. According to WHO, many of the deaths occur in rivers, lakes, wells, domestic water storage containers and swimming pools, with over 90 per cent recorded in low- and middle-income countries.

WHO also warned that climate change is increasing drowning risks as floods, storms and heatwaves become more frequent. To address the growing burden, the organisation launched the PROTECT technical package ahead of this year’s World Drowning Prevention Day.

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described every drowning as a preventable tragedy and said the framework offers practical, evidence-based measures, including improving water transport safety, teaching schoolchildren to swim and strengthening flood preparedness. He stressed that preventing drowning requires collective action across sectors.

WHO explained that the seven strategies translate the Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention, launched in 2025 by the WHO-hosted Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention, into practical policy guidance. The package provides recommendations on safer water infrastructure, rescue and resuscitation capacity, occupational safety around water, water transport standards, swimming and water safety education, child care and safeguarding systems, and preparedness for floods and other multi-hazard emergencies.

The agency said the initiative builds on more than a decade of collaboration with governments and partners to advance global drowning prevention efforts.

This year’s World Drowning Prevention Day is themed “Unite to turn the tide,” highlighting the need for coordinated action by governments, sectors and communities to prevent drowning and save lives.