by Natthaphon Sangpolsit

    

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand saw the number of children who died from drowning drop by 56% in 2021. A new target is now set to bring the number of drowning deaths among children under the age of 15 down to 2.5 per 100,000 by 2027.

 

The Ministry of Public Health has meanwhile issued plaques commemorating those who contributed to reducing drowning deaths in 2021. The plaques were handed out by Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

 

According to the minister, the health ministry operated in accordance with the United Nations’ Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention. Teams that were formed through multi-agency and public collaboration have been able to reduce the number of child drowning deaths to 658 in 2021, down from around 1,500 the previous year.

 

Anutin explained that the ministry rapidly proceeded on three matters of concern. Children under the age of 2 were provided with safe play areas that made injuries less likely. Children aged 6 or older were meanwhile taught to swim or float by drowning prevention teams at each locality and those 12 and older were taught to deliver CPR.

 

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07

 

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4 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand saw the number of children who died from drowning drop by 56% in 2021. A new target is now set to bring the number of drowning deaths among children under the age of 15 down to 2.5 per 100,000 by 2027.

Why not go all-out and try for zero?

in 2021 there were  alot of restricted zones because of covid, there was less travel and staying on a beach was discouraged. In the meantime at several places I have they have blocked the beach to prevent that people go into the sea. There is a lot of complaints already about this issue, but the explanation is that they want the beach to protect from sea. They are afraid the sea will wash the sand away(????).  So in fact not a real prevention in 2021 , but just lucky and now they have blocked the beach in several places. That are no solutions. Teach kids in school how to swim would be much better

Child drowning is like the carnage on the road.

Education of children and drivers would go a long way in minimizing the horror of each tragedy respectively.

But?  The government simply doesn't seem to have the will to address the issue.  Instead they hand out awards and take photos. 

"What did you do?"
Nothing.
"Congratulations.  Here's a award!!!  Photos please!"
<click click click click click>

 

Well, my parents made sure we could swim from an early age.  Why don't Thai parents do this instead of waiting for the government to act?