Water traumatism

Drownings around the world average between 300,000 and 350,000 people per year.

In Bulgaria, the average annual drownings over the last 10 years are between 80 and 100 in all water areas, with 60% of them in inland bodies of water /rivers, dams, lakes, canals, etc./ and the rest in the sea. 10% of the total drownings are of children under 17 years of age.
 
The main causes of drowning are:
  1.  Ignorance of the dangers of bathing and swimming
  2.  Ignorance of water safety rules
  3.  The low swimming and water rescue culture of the population
In recent years, there has been a trend towards a permanent reduction in water-related injuries in the country, especially among children. This is a result of the targeted work of the Bulgarian Red Cross's Emergency Committee in the field of prevention in partnership with institutions and organizations concerned with the protection of human life in water-related incidents.
 
We carry out prevention through:
  •  creating educational programs
  •  training and courses
  •  organizing and conducting water festivals and demonstrations
  •  media appearances and publications
Every year, between 60,000 and 70,000 children, youth and adults undergo training in water injury prevention.