SSCNA WEBINAR WITH LIFESAVING SA ON DROWNING PREVENTION
On Thursday 28th July 2022 Lifesaving SA hosted a Supervision Saves Lives webinar in conjunction with the Sport for Social Change Network Africa to discuss the World Drowning Prevention Day, Drowning in South Africa and Mitigation of these events going forward.
In 2019 the World Health Organization (WHO) reported approximately 236 000 people drown globally each year with most drownings taking place in low and middle-income countries, particularly those with access to aquatic resources, oceans, dams, and rivers.
South African mortality statistics estimate approximately 1500 people die from drowning annually in South Africa, an average of 4 people daily. Two-thirds (66%) of all drownings in South Africa are under the age of 30 years with males being more than twice at risk than females. In South Africa almost 500 deaths or one third of the reported deaths occur under the age of 10 years. In the age group 5 to 12 years the WHO estimates that drowning is the sixth highest cause of unnatural deaths globally. These statistics however do not account for those who have drowned due to floods or violence. A leading cause of the deaths by drowning is the lack of proper supervision of children and toddlers around water.
Speakers:
Dr Sam Ramsamy – IOC honorary member since 1995
Dr Colleen Saunders – UCT and Chair of the LSA Research Committee Ms Kristen Bent – Operations Manager – N1 City & Western Cape HEMS Netcare911
Host: Mr Mzi Mayedwa – LSA Director of Drowning Prevention
Click below to read more about how you can protect yourself from drowning!
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