Every year, around a quarter of a million people die from drowning, and almost 82,000 of them are children aged 1 to 14.

In Kazakhstan, since the beginning of the 2024 swimming season, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 85 people have died, including 35 children. Compared to 2023, child fatalities have increased by 20%, which is a serious concern.

Adults must pay special attention to children while relaxing at water bodies and swimming pools!

Adults must prevent children from swimming in unchecked and unauthorized areas, using inappropriate flotation devices, and engaging in horseplay in the water. Violating basic safety rules leads to tragedy.

When a person is drowning, it happens quietly; there is no chance to scream during those seconds, only a struggle for life, trying to breathe.

A few important water safety rules for adults:

• Do not swim in prohibited and unequipped areas
• Do not swim under the influence of alcohol
• Do not swim on objects not intended for swimming
• Do not dive in unchecked and unequipped areas
• Supervise children while they are in the water
• Wear a life jacket while fishing
• Ensure that pools are fenced and have controlled access

Remember, anyone can drown – protect life!

#DrowningPrevention #WHOKAZAKHSTAN #WHOEUROPE