Why is drowning not getting the attention it deserves? If drowning was seen as a disease spreading through the population (which it is), or a disaster at sea where souls tragically perish (which it is), then it would be front page news and safety commissions and investigations would immediately ensue.

Although the World Health Organization estimates that almost a half million people drown each year, with 90% of these fatalities occurring in low and middle income nations, the so-called developed world continues to view drowning as accidental, mysterious and almost mythical. In our perceptions and reactions, in terms of public policy, budgets and regulations we have failed to embrace new knowledge and tools to eradicate this predictable and preventable loss. Incredible advances have been made in technology, human resource and protocols in the areas of rescue and treatment of those involved in potential or near drowning incidents. However, improvements in prevention of these incidents have been dictated by the academics, epidemiologists, and rescue professionals who quite rightly wish to prevent a death or serious/long term injury to those who come under their care.

True Prevention is not being addressed at the root cause of incidents, where historical, social and psychological factors affect not only the behavior of individuals but also safety, educational and regulatory organizations.

Issues around access to basic survival swimming, self-rescue and resuscitation training continue to be underrepresented. The effects of moderately cold water, including cold shock and swim failure tend to be confused with long term immersion hypothermia, and are not given the importance they deserve, particularly in regards to the wearing of flotation devices in pleasure craft and small vessels for recreation or commercial uses. Resistance to the building of four sided fences with self closing and self latching gates around swimming pools, and blindness and denial in the discussion of the fallibility of child supervision illustrates the general lack of awareness and respect for water as a high risk environment.

Prevention strategies must affect attitudes and actions. The ethics of individual responsibility, the duty of care of homeowners, boat owners and operators must mesh with the duty to warn of safety organizations and regulatory policy makers. Those of us involved in risk education must set the bar higher for ourselves, set the best example and not bend to compromise when the sin of omission can result in needless tragedy for those we are trying to protect.

Roxanne Standefer

Foresight & Imagination

http://www.foresightandimagination.com