Drowning is a serious threat. Globally, hundreds of thousands of people drown every year. As the global population continues to grow, so will drowning rates.
Counting the number of drowning fatalities that occur in Canada or around the world can’t undo the tragedies. However, understanding the magnitude of the problem and learning about the risk factors that were involved in the incidents helps organizations like the Lifesaving Society and others to create and implement effective drowning prevention strategies. Drowning prevention efforts should focus on the highest risk populations, locations, and activities. These will vary wildly across communities and countries. Local drowning prevention efforts are often the most effective at identifying hazards and long-term solutions to address drowning risk and create Water Smart communities.
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2025
View the Lifesaving Society's 2025 Ontario Drowning Report Infographic / 2025 Ontario Rapport sur la noyade graphiques
View the Lifesaving Society's 2025 Ontario Non-Fatal Drowning Report / Rapport de 2025 sur les noyades non mortelles en Ontario
2024
View the Lifesaving Society's 2024 National Drowning Report Infographic / 2024 Rapport sur la noyade national graphiques
View the Lifesaving Society's 2024 Ontario Drowning Report Infographic / 2024 Ontario Rapport sur la noyade graphiques
2023
View the Lifesaving Society's 2023 Non-Fatal Drowning Report / Rapport de 2023 sur les noyades non mortelles en Ontario
View the link between medical conditions and fatal drownings in Canada: a 10-year cross-sectional analysis (study by the Canadian Medical Association Journal)
View the Canadian Drowning Prevention Plan, 9th Edition / Plan canadien de prévention de la noyade, 9e édition
Read the WHO media release and read or download the Global Report on Drowning: Preventing a Leading Killer.