KZN ranks highest for drownings

KWAZULU-NATAL had the highest incidence of drownings in South Africa according to a recent study by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). The institute hosted a conference on Monday, November 28 to share drowning statistics gathered between 2016–2021, saying drowning is a serious public health concern.

According to the institute, drowning typically impacts low- and middle-income countries which carry 90% of the global drowning burden. In their study, A South African Epidemiological Study of Fatal Drownings: 2016–2021, the NSRI found that drownings occurred more frequently in fresh water in South Africa.

Dr Jill Fortuin, Executive Director of Drowning Prevention at NSRI, said, “The results of this study have indicated that KwaZulu-Natal province had the highest incidence of drowning.” According to Fortuin, the second highest number of drownings came from the Eastern Cape with 1 869 drownings reported, followed by Gauteng, which has 1 006 reported drownings and the Western Cape with 864.

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The study also indicated that men made up 81% of the drowning victims.

“In addition to that, the zero-to-four-year age group has the highest prevalence of drowning among all the age categories,” said Fortuin.

As the festive season approaches, Durban is among the coastal cities and towns preparing for an influx of visitors. Beachgoers are expected to flock to the Golden Mile over Christmas and New Year with plenty of swimmers cooling off in Durban’s bathing beaches as well as private and public pools. The NSRI has called on parents to supervise children diligently and take precautions when swimming in the ocean or inland.

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“With the festive season upon us, we are urging extreme caution to South Africans who will be making their way to the coast to not drink and swim, to supervise children in and around the water, and ensure that you know the emergency number,” concluded Fortuin.

Notably, the data in the study is based on reported fatal drownings, so it is possible the number of South African drownings could be more.

NSRI is a charity organisation that works to prevent drownings through rescue operations, education and prevention initiatives.

Call NSRI at 082 990 5948 for emergency assistance. For more information, visit www.nsri.org.za.