Despite an abundance of coverage in our newspapers on the number of drowning incidents, including the rising number of students drowning in Cox's Bazar, drowning is still an under-recognised problem in Bangladesh.
Recently, a man scoffed at a friend of mine who mentioned the Water Safety Program the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) runs to teach children survival swimming skills. “But all village children know how to swim!” he exclaimed.
However, statistics reveal the reality, that drowning is the leading cause of death of children in Bangladesh. More than 17,000 children die from drowning every year, which equates to over 46 children each day. The Bangladesh Health and Injury Survey revealed the shocking statistics in 2005 and since then similar surveys have been conducted throughout the region which indicates that this tragedy is prevalent in other developing countries also.
This man's statement reflects the lack of community based knowledge on what swimming actually is. Swimming is not splashing around in waist deep water, it is, according to international early swimming standards, being able to cross 25 metres of open water by oneself, removing oneself from water without assistance and floating for 90 seconds. This floating activity simulates the likely action in the event of sudden immersion in water, falling off a boat for example.
Swimming is a learned skill that will provide immunity for life against drowning.
Living in Bangladesh, where our rivers and waterways are part of everyday life, it is important to have these skills to keep safe in any environment where there is water.