According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the third leading cause of accidental injury in the world with a share of 7% in the injury group.
Around 360000 people die worldwide from drowning each year.
According to data for the last five-year period (2013-2017), ninety people die on average per year from drowning in Croatia.
The following groups are at increased risk of drowning:
small children
non-swimmers
of a male
persons suffering from certain chronic diseases
persons who consumed alcohol
people bathing in rivers and lakes
Younger children can drown in a very small amount of water (only a few inches in height) for a short period. They need to be constantly monitored, even when bathing in tubs and small, plastic pools. The constant supervision of parents or other adults is one of the basic rules for the safety and prevention of drowning of young children.
Children should be denied free access to swimming pools, water containers and other sources of water. Swimming pools should have high enough guardrails. Safety covers on water containers, wells, and other similar places should be locked and secured against children's access. Containers or larger containers that can be filled with water should not be left in yards near homes.
Swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning in young children by 88%. Children who have completed swimming training should continue to be constantly monitored and assisted in mastering and perfecting swimming. In addition to schools and swimming courses for children, adult swimming courses are also organized. Adults who are not good swimmers should swim in the shallow part and under the supervision of other experienced swimmers.
Children who do not know how to swim should wear a safety vest appropriate to their age, height, and weight, and be under constant surveillance. They can also use seat belts or gloves, but extra care is required when using them as they do not provide a high degree of safety as a vest. A safety vest is recommended when driving on boats or other vessels for all persons, children, and adults.
Bathing in rivers and lakes should be under increased caution because of turbid water, often uneven bottoms and sudden transitions to depths and currents and sources.
Swimming and swimming, in addition to entertainment, also carry the risk of drowning. Therefore, everyone should adopt measures of safe behavior in the water - enter gradually into the water, swim in the company, do not jump in the water, especially not by jumping on their heads and not holding their long breath underwater. It is recommended not to enter the water immediately after a meal, but for at least two hours after eating.
Do not hold your breath for too long or hyperventilate (accelerate forced breathing) before diving, when diving for breath. It is necessary to know and apply the basic rules of safe driving. One should always dive in steam.
Persons suffering from chronic, especially heart disease, diabetes, and epilepsy should follow the doctor's instructions during the heat of summer and take recommended therapy, but also be aware that some medications can lead to side effects that may increase the risk of drowning. People with epilepsy should, as a rule, bathe in the company of others with special care.
Alcohol increases the risk of drowning due to several negative impacts including disorders of consciousness, diminished control of reasoning, impaired motor coordination, and numerous other changes in the human body.
The drowning person may be submerged and thus endanger the other person, including the best swimmers, so it is recommended that salvage should be left to trained personnel if conditions exist. If there are no such persons nearby, the drowning person should be approached with caution. It is good to use ancillary equipment such as a life belt and the like when rescuing. If necessary, basic resuscitation measures should be initiated as soon as possible and immediate medical attention should be sought.
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