Welcome to #WaterGuard
Research shows an estimated 2000 South African lives are lost each year due to fatal drowning. More than 40% of these tragedies involve children under 19, with the highest incidence among those aged 0-5.
What Experts Have To Say...
In a recent episode of the ChildSafe South Africa podcast series, UCT Associate Professor Colleen Saunders from the Emergency Medicine Division shared her invaluable expertise on the critical issue of drowning.
"Did You Know? At Least 2 Children Drown in South Africa Every Day"
WaterGuard is not just a campaign; it's a call to action for every parent and caregiver to take proactive steps to protect our children from drowning. By working together, we can create safer environments and equip our children with the skills they need to stay safe around water.
What are the facts?
5:1: Globally, there are five non-fatal drownings for every fatal drowning.
4x Higher: The rate of drowning in low and middle-income countries, like South Africa, is four times higher than in high-income countries.
4x More Likely: South African children are four times more likely to drown than those in first-world countries.
4:1: South African men are four times more likely to drown than women.
Tripled Risk: The risk of drowning triples when children turn one year old.
Home Incidents: Drowning incidents for children under 5 happen in and around the home.
Open Water: For ages 5 to 19, drowning incidents shift to larger open bodies of water away from home.
Are you a WaterGuard?
Knowing what you know now, will you answer the call and become a WaterGuard? Your support can make a difference.