Johannesburg - Drowning has been noted as a serious public health concern, identifying low and middle-income countries as the most affected by drowning, with reports they carry 90% of the global drowning burden.
A National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) study has determined drownings occurred more frequently in freshwater in South Africa from 2016 to 2021, with the nought- to four-year-old age group noted to have the highest prevalence of drowning.
The NSRI executive director of drowning prevention, Dr Jill Fortuin, said the purpose of the study was to provide an overview of fatal drownings in South Africa between 2016 and 2021.
“The results of this study have indicated that KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province had the highest incidence of drowning. In addition to that, the 0–4-year-age group has the highest prevalence of drowning among all the age categories,” Fortuin said.
Males accounted for 81% of the drownings, which could be attributed to more risky behaviour.
Examining the data more from a provincial perspective, the second-leading province is the Eastern Cape, with 1869 drownings reported for the period.
"It is followed by Gauteng, which has 1 006 reported drownings, and the fourth province is the Western Cape with 864," Fortuin said.
Recommendations from the World Health Organization with regard to drowning prevention, indicate that there are concerns about drownings among children ages nought to four years.
Parents are also urged to supervise their children diligently.
Notably, the data in the study is based on reported fatal drownings, so it is possible the number of South African drownings could be more.
The reasons for drowning are not reported, and hence this is not included in the report.
"With the festive season upon us, we are urging extreme caution to South Africans who will be making their way to the coast to not drink and swim, supervise children in and around the water and ensure that you know the emergency number," said Fortuin.
The Star