Hidden depths: the global investment case for drowning prevention

Overview

Drowning is a preventable tragedy that claims almost 236 000 lives each year, most of them young children. It is an urgent issue that needs more attention and increased investment to save more lives. This report shows the health and economic benefits from implementing two evidence-based interventions to prevent drowning in high-burden countries. It demonstrates the benefits of providing day-care and teaching basic swim skills to children and shows high returns from investing in these interventions. It provides policymakers, donors, advocates and other relevant stakeholders with a sound economic case for investing in and scaling up these measures.