According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drowning is the third leading cause of all fatal injuries worldwide. More than 236,000 people die in this way every year, mainly children, adolescents and young adults. More than 90 percent of all drownings occur in low- and middle-income countries — often during everyday activities such as swimming, fetching water, boating or fishing.
According to the WHO, individuals, organizations and governments could reduce the number of deaths with proven strategies: “Most of these deaths can be prevented through proven and cheap measures,” said WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
These include physical barriers against falls into the water, training in rescue techniques, swimming lessons and day care for children, safety regulations in water transport and flood risk management.
Half of third graders in Austria can’t swim
This is also an explosive subject in Austria: Due to the corona pandemic, swimming lessons and swimming lessons cannot take place in many primary schools. The number of non-swimmers increased alarmingly. For example, every second eight-year-old who goes to the compulsory swimming school in Vienna can’t stand.
The WHO urged people around the world to take swimming lessons and share safety tips with family and friends.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
