The status of drowning prevention and control in the region of the Americas

Drowning is a major, yet preventable, public health issue causing an estimated 300,000 deaths globally in 2021. This study assessed the current state of drowning prevention efforts in the Americas, examining the presence of governance structures, policies, legislation and the implementation of key interventions to reduce drowning risks. Data were collected from 26 countries in the region through a World Health Organization-led initiative using a structured questionnaire and national consultations. Of the 26 countries studied, only two (8%) reported having a government-led national drowning prevention strategy, and 65% of countries collected information on drowning mortality data through civil registration systems. Despite a wider presence of disaster risk management programs and public awareness campaigns which address drowning risks, substantial gaps remain in interventions aimed at preventing child drowning, including swim skills and water safety training. These findings underscore the urgent need for standardized strategies, improved data systems, and stronger cross-sectoral collaboration to reduce drowning deaths in the Americas.eat