Drownings are among the main causes of death for children in Brazil, according to a warning from the Brazilian Society of Aquatic Rescue (Sobrasa), which is launching a campaign this month for the prevention of these accidents. Every day, four children die in the country from this type of accident.
According to Sobrasa, among children aged 1 to 4 years, drowning is the second most frequent cause of death. Among those aged 5 to 9 years, it drops to third place; and, from 10 to 24 years old, it occupies fourth.
President of Sobrasa, Colonel Fábio Braga, from the Military Fire Brigade of the State of Rio de Janeiro, highlights that the school holiday period should be a time of increased attention among parents and guardians for the prevention of drownings.
"Up to 95% of drownings could be avoided through education and information," highlighted Braga.
According to Sobrasa, half of drownings involving children happen within the domestic environment, in swimming pools, toilets, washing machines, bathtubs, water tanks, and reservoirs.
Among the preventive measures are permanent adult supervision, the installation of protective barriers in swimming pools, the isolation of water reservoirs, and education on aquatic safety from childhood.
In Brazil, every 90 minutes, one person dies from drowning, and four out of ten victims are under 29 years old. The total number of cases in a year reaches 5,742, and two-thirds of these drownings occur in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Source: Agência Brasil
Source: Senadinho Macaiba
