Summer, sun and water. The combination of these elements accounts for our love of water sports. During the relatively short summer in Switzerland, but also during the colder times of year, many people enjoy themselves in, by and on the water.
Few would consider bathing, swimming or boating as high-risk sports. Yet, an apparently innocuous problem-situation in water can quickly result in a deadly drowning accident. Some 50 people drown each year in Switzerland.
These accidents could and should be prevented. The Swiss Life Saving Society and bfu - the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention - are working towards this end. For the 75th anniversary of their founding, the Swiss Life Saving Society initiated a study which will bring together the necessary basic knowledge for effective prevention of drownings. The study is supported by bfu and Suva - the Swiss Accident Insurance Fund.
In recent years, bfu has been in discussions with national partners about the possibilities for an effective drowning prevention strategy based on an analysis of the situation. Concrete new measures have already been implemented, and the bfu campaign "Keep an eye on the children - the little ones within reach" is planned for 2011-2013. This process will also be documented in the report.
The procedure shows that, when used optimally, the insights gained from evidence-based prevention measures can lead to effective interventions. bfu continues to be committed to the necessary measures to ensure that swimming and water sports remain unspoiled leisure-time activities.
Read more in Report 65 «Accidents in, by and on the water in Switzerland».
This is available in German, with summaries in English, French and Italian.
Download Report 65
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