Brazil launches national campaign to curb child drownings

The Brazilian Society of Aquatic Rescue (Sobrasa) warned that drownings are among the leading causes of death for children in Brazil, with an average of four children dying each day. The hazard ranks as the second leading cause of death for ages 1‑4, third for 5‑9 and fourth for 10‑24. About half of child drownings occur at home—in pools, toilets, washing machines, bathtubs, water tanks or reservoirs—while two‑thirds of all drownings happen in rivers, lakes or dams. Sobrasa estimates 5,742 drownings annually and says up to 95 % could be avoided through education and supervision.

To address the risk, Sobrasa is launching a nationwide prevention campaign around World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July. The effort will mobilise 10,000 volunteers, hold talks and training sessions across states, and promote the “Go Blue” initiative that will light landmarks such as the Christ the Redeemer statue, the Mané Garrincha stadium and the Arena Castelão in blue. The agency recommends constant adult supervision, installation of pool barriers, and isolation of any water reservoirs as primary safety measures. Recent data from Goiás shows a rise in drownings and other accidents during school holidays, underscoring the urgency of the campaign.