Published 14 February 2023 

A push to prevent drowning deaths globally will come before the World Health Assembly in May this year.

Sixty nations, led by Bangladesh and Ireland, and including Australia, have championed the proposed resolution, which builds on the first United Nations Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention which was adopted in 2021.

Royal Life Saving Society – Australia Chief Executive Officer, Justin Scarr said the draft World Health Assembly resolution builds on long term aspirations elevate drowning prevention within the global health and development agenda.

“One of the most important aspects of the proposed resolution is giving the World Health Organization the power to assist nations, on their request, with drowning prevention efforts,” Mr Scarr said.

“We know that low- and middle-income countries are the most affected by drowning and many have yet to establish the capacity to respond.

“Requesting countries appoint a national drowning prevention focal point will make an enormous difference to the coordination of drowning prevention efforts.

“While structural change doesn’t sound exciting, on the ground it will empower communities to act on drowning prevention and provide a clear path to find solutions that work for their situation.”

The draft resolution encourages countries to develop national programs, with a focus on community, including emergency response planning and linkage with community first aid response and emergency care systems as appropriate.

It also encourages promotion of drowning prevention through community engagement, public awareness, and behavioural change campaigns.

The draft resolution also asks the World Health Organization to encourage research on the context and risk factors, facilitate adaptation of effective drowning prevention and safe rescue and resuscitation measures.

“Multisectoral collaboration, particularly with those groups and agencies yet to engage in drowning prevention, is critical to making an impact on drowning. The draft resolution responds to long term calls to establish a Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention," Mr Scarr said.

"We express our gratitude to colleagues at World Health Organization and United Kingdom charity the Royal National Lifeboat Institute for their commitment to global advocacy."

The proposal comes as Australia prepares to host the World Conference on Drowning Prevention in December 2023 in Perth.

Drowning prevention experts will converge on Western Australia to shape global strategies and share local successes across research, rescue, education and medical treatments.

The submission process for abstracts is open and can be accessed here: https://wcdp2023.com/abstracts/call-for-submission/

Abstracts must be submitted by 28 February 2023.