Where Data Tells the Story
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Swimming is a popular recreational activity around the world, especially in the summer months. Data from a Statista Consumer Insights survey shows that Austrians are a nation particularly fond of taking a dip, with nearly four in ten saying that they go swimming or diving at least occasionally. Around three in ten Germans said the same, while closer to two in ten said they go swimming in India, France and Brazil. In Mexico, only 13 percent of respondents said they went swimming or diving at least sometimes.
While great for keeping fit, swimming skills can save lives too. Such expertise is not a given and, according to the World Health Organization, despite children aged 5-14 years accounting for 19 percent of the global drowning burden, less than a quarter of WHO member countries incorporate swimming and water training into national school curricula.
Swimming and water safety are just one recommendation outlined by the WHO. Other community level recommendations include lifeguard services, freely available weather alerts, search and secure services, first-aider responders and community-based flood mitigation programmes. In terms of preventative legislation, the organization highlights how countries can also safeguard their populations, for example, through mandating lifejacket use and introducing laws on swimming pool fencing and on alcohol consumption and/or sales near public waterbodies.
Since risks can vary and span across a range of sectors, from occupational exposure to water and climate-related risks to transport over water and migration, the WHO states that prevention measures require the involvement of multiple sectors.
July 25 is World Drowning Prevention Day.