Relevant papers discussing proposed prevention strategies for fatal river drowning (n=10)
| Reference | Country/area of country | Prevention strategies | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wintemute et al65 | USA (observation sessions at 3 popular local river beaches in Sacramento County, California) | Lifejackets made available for use without charge by swimmers at popular local river beaches. Statutory requirements: ordinances making it unlawful for parents or guardians to allow children under 13 to enter rivers without lifejackets Enforcement: higher lifejacket use is likely if enforced | III-3 Observational study and expert opinion |
| Reference | Country | Proposed prevention strategies | Level of evidence |
| Brenner et al34 | USA | Lifejackets (when boating or playing near rivers) | IV Population-based study |
| Cass et al37 | Australia (New South Wales) | Education (targeted at older boys who are prone to risk-taking behaviour) Engineering: fencing house to separate from hazard) | IV Expert opinion and case series |
| Kauffman53 | USA (Potomac River–West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC) | Education: public service announcements of river conditions Engineering: river depth gauges with interpretive signs Administrative: signage on risks of river Lifejackets as a prevention strategy | IV Expert opinion and case series |
| Kemp and Sibert62 | UK | Supervision Engineering: restrict access for swimming Education: youth organisations not to organise swimming parties in rivers | IV Expert opinion and case series |
| Kiakalayeh et al43 | Iran (Guilan and Mazandran) | Engineering: fences and grills | IV Expert opinion |
| Moran66 | Australia and New Zealand | Education: young men about safe behaviours and inherent risks of jumping from a height into water | IV Expert opinion |
| Nakahara et al67 | Japan | Engineering: fences or covers for rivers | IV Population-based study |
| Newman et al45 | USA (five counties of Washington State) | Education: recognition of water conditions such as currents and personal swimming ability Basic water safety instruction for children Supervision and lifejacket use should be emphasised when children are around water | IV Case series |
| Sorey et al54 | USA | Education: awareness of injuries or liabilities Lifejackets, especially for non-swimmers | IV Expert opinion and case series |