Article Text
Abstract
Background Worldwide, drowning is the third leading cause of death among children. In Asia it is the first leading cause of death and a major public health threat. The objective of this paper was to develop a drowning prevention program including swimming training, CPR and lifesaving methods for children and to evaluate it. This intervention was provided and evaluated in Thailand where drowning is the first leading cause of death among children.
Methods Thailand where drowning is the first leading cause of death among children. The study used observations, quantitative and qualitative methods. In total 20 children in the age of seven to ten, from Nan Province in northern Thailand were participating.
Results The result of this intervention is that the children are highly capable to learn swimming, CPR and lifesaving activities within 10 days. Out of 20 participants all have successfully completed the swimming, CPR and lifesaving programs.
Conclusions The conclusion of this intervention study can be sum up by both the interventions result, the questionnaires and the independent evaluators is that swimming program as this one is highly needed for saving lives. Support from the local as well as the central authority is also needed.
Therefore such swimming program shows the importance of swimming knowledge and water security to prevent drowning in near future.
- Drowning
- intervention
- prevention
- swimming program