Brazil launches campaign to curb child drownings

The Brazilian Society of Aquatic Rescue (Sobrasa) warned that drowning ranks among the leading causes of death for children in Brazil. Four children die each day from drowning; it is the second leading cause of death for ages 1‑4, third for ages 5‑9, and fourth for ages 10‑24. The organization says up to 95% of these deaths could be prevented through education and supervision.

Half of child drownings occur at home—in pools, bathtubs, toilets, washing machines, water tanks and other reservoirs—while two‑thirds of all drownings happen in rivers, lakes and dams. Sobrasa’s campaign, timed for World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, mobilises about 10 000 volunteers nationwide. Activities include the “Celebrating Your City” programme of lectures and training, and the “Go Blue” initiative that will light landmarks such as the Christ the Redeemer statue, Mané Garrincha Stadium and Arena Castelão in blue. The campaign urges parents and caregivers to maintain constant adult supervision, install protective barriers around pools and isolate water reservoirs, and teach basic water safety from early childhood.