Background From 2009 to 2010, drowning prevention interventions were implemented in two pilot sites in the cities of Dagupan and Lingayen. With the support of the local leadership, these initiatives proved to be worthwhile endeavours in support of the Child Injury Prevention Programme of the Department of Health (DOH), Philippines. With the successful implementation of interventions in the pilot sites, the DOH embarked on an expansion project to another community in the City of Dagupan. It is hoped that this will contribute to the decrease in the incidents of drowning in the expansion site.

Objective To develop and implement evidence-based interventions for drowning prevention in the community.

Methods Qualitative data collection techniques such as Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, Review of Records, and Community Walk-throughs were used.

Results Using the Haddon Matrix, findings revealed several factors that may have led to incidents of drowning in the community. Results were presented to the village members and priority interventions were implemented from September to December 2011. Village Drowning Prevention Committee was formed, capability-building activities were done, barriers were constructed and open dug wells were reconstructed and covered. It is hoped that these interventions will address drowning incidents in the community.

Significance/Contribution to the Field Different community drowning prevention strategies were implemented such as formation of drowning prevention committee, barriers (door, house, backyard), training programmes, reconstruction and covering of wells.