Call for Enhanced Safety Measures as Kisumu Residents Mark World Drowning Prevention Day 

Global Report Highlights Progress but Warns Drowning Remains a Critical Public Health Threat

KISUMU, Kenya July 26 –Hundreds of Kisumu residents and stakeholders gathered to mark World Drowning Prevention Day, issuing a strong call for personal safety measures to curb drowning-related deaths.

The key messages laid emphasis on Community Awareness, Lifesaving Skills, and Multi-Agency collaboration to address the ever-rising threat of drowning at an event held at Kenya Shipyard Limited. 

Under this year’s theme, “Your Story Can Save A Life: Drowning Prevention through Shared Experiences,” it gave a spotlight on real-life changemakers working tirelessly to prevent drowning and its lifelong consequences.

It also highlighted findings from the first-ever Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention, which revealed a 38 percent decrease in world drowning deaths between 2000 and 2021.

Despite this steady progress, drowning remains a major public health crisis, with over 300,000 precious lives lost in 2021 alone.  

In Kenya, the Ministry of Health reported 896 drowning deaths in 2022, with children and young people being mainly affected.

Over 90 percent of drowning fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions.  

Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa officially flagged off the event, leading a street procession from the Nyanza Provincial Headquarters to the venue. 

In her address, Mworoa urged residents to wear life jackets, educate children on water safety, and support community rescue and resuscitation training.  

“I call upon all tiers of government—national and county—to invest in infrastructure and establishments to make our waters safe,” she emphasized, praising the efforts of Community Health Promoters in grassroots drowning prevention.  

She attributed numerous drowning incidents in the area to flooding seasons and fishermen who don’t wear safety gear.

The Kenya Red Cross and Kenya Coast Guards conducted a live 20-minute rescue demonstration, teaching attendees the Pass, Extend, and Throw (PET) technique a critical method for assisting drowning victims without risking the rescuer’s safety.  

“To help someone in distress, pass an object, extend a pole, or throw a rope or floating aid,” explained Anthony Muchiri, Kenya Red Cross Emergency Response Manager, stressed the importance of community preparedness.  

Kisumu County Health Director Fredrick Oluoch reaffirmed the county’s commitment to improving water safety, vowing to address residents’ concerns with lasting solutions.