Drowning is a significant public health issue globally and here in South Africa. To create effective prevention strategies, it’s essential to understand the scope and burden of drowning incidents, including non-fatal cases. In our latest podcast episode, we discuss these critical points with Associate Professor Colleen Saunders from the University of Cape Town’s Emergency Medicine Division. Her insights shed light on the importance of accurate data and the specific risks faced by South African children.
The Burden of Drowning in South Africa
In South Africa, the rates of drowning are alarmingly high. Drowning is one of the top five leading causes of injury deaths. Here’s a closer look at the statistics and contributing factors:
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High Incidence Among Children:
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Southern African children are four times more likely to drown than children in other parts of the world.
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Children under five years old have the highest drowning rates globally. In South Africa, this age group is particularly vulnerable due to their natural curiosity and lack of physical skills to escape dangerous situations.
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Drowning incidents often occur at home, involving bathtubs, buckets, and swimming pools.
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Challenges in Data Collection:
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According to Prof. Saunders, South Africa struggles to count non-fatal drownings accurately because the data systems are not set up for it. Understanding the full scale and burden of drowning incidents, including non-fatal cases, is essential for effective prevention strategies.
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“Many non-fatal drowning incidents go unreported or are misclassified under different causes of death, leading to an underestimation of the true burden,” explains Prof. Saunders.
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Behavioural and Exposure Differences:
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Young adult males are also at a higher risk due to behavioural factors and increased exposure to water-related activities.
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In rural areas, children frequently play near rivers and dams, increasing their risk of drowning due to the lack of proper swimming facilities and supervision.
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Under-Reporting of Drownings:
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Due to misclassification and data gaps, the real number of drownings might be significantly under-reported. For every fatal drowning, there are an estimated five non-fatal drownings that go unrecorded.
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High-Risk Groups and Situations
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Children Under Five: This age group is at the highest risk, with most incidents occurring around the home where young children are naturally curious but lack the skills to save themselves.
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Children and Drowning: Besides the 1 in 4 statistic for children under five, 40% of fatal drownings in South Africa occur in children under 19.
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Adolescents and Young Adults: Engaging in riskier behaviors and often swimming in unsupervised areas, this group also sees a high incidence of drowning.
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Rural Communities: Limited access to swimming lessons and safe swimming environments makes rural children more vulnerable.
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Gender Disparities: Globally, males have a significantly higher rate of drowning compared to females. In South Africa, the rate is particularly high among young adult males due to behavioral factors and exposure.
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Age-Specific Risks: For children under five, the highest drowning rates are around the home due to their curiosity and mobility. For older children (5-19 years), drownings often occur in larger bodies of water as they explore beyond the home environment.
Conclusion
Drowning is a preventable tragedy, yet it remains a leading cause of death for children in South Africa. By understanding the statistics, recognizing high-risk groups, and implementing targeted prevention measures, we can save lives. Let’s stay vigilant and informed to protect our children.
Stay safe,
The ChildSafe South Africa Team
Author : Sade Linnen
