As the third World Drowning Prevention Day was marked Tuesday, organisations and communities worldwide as well as the Hamad Injury Prevention Programme of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Hamad Trauma Centre joined forces to raise awareness about consequences of drowning and to promote water safety measures. This important initiative serves as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action to prevent drowning incidents and save lives.Tsoler Sekayan, programme coordinator of the HIPP, the community outreach arm of HMC’s Hamad Trauma Centre, said "Water safety is important for all ages, but especially for infants and toddlers. Drowning is a leading cause of injury death in children 1-4. Young children can drown in as little as an inch or two of water, and it can happen quickly and silently."Worldwide, an estimated 236,000 people die from drowning every year, it is considered the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death globally and children, males and individuals with increased access to water are most at risk for drowning. In Qatar, as many as 25 residents die from drowning events every year; with 30% of them children. Children aged 10 years or under, especially those younger than four years, suffer the most severe physical and psychological long-term effects of these drowning events.Toddlers are curious, active and eager to explore their surroundings and are attracted to water. But they don't understand that water can be dangerous and aren't old enough yet to do what is needed when in trouble. In addition, males are at a higher risk of drowning, with twice the overall mortality rate of females. They are more likely to be hospitalised than females for non-fatal drowning.HMC has provided some recommendations that are proven to improve water safety at home for all families, especially those with young children:
July 25, 2023 | 08:18 PM