Drowning is defined as “the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid; outcomes are classified as death (fatal) or morbidity (non-fatal)"*.

The Drowning Prevention Report uses statistics on preventable drowning deaths only. Preventable drowning deaths are classified as “Fatalities”, and are all drowning deaths other than those that result from suicides, homicides and vehicle accidents.

Non fatal drownings are classified as “Hospitalisations”, which are drowning related hospitalisations that required hospital care.

Reported drowning related statistics often change due to updated information on cause of death or injury. This information is compiled from a range of sources. Thanks to our partners for making their information available.