Batroun, 31 July 2025: Lebanon today officially launched its first National Drowning Prevention Awareness Campaign, a joint initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Public Health, during a national event held at the Marine Sciences and Technology Institute (MARSATI) in Batroun. The launch brought together government officials, public health experts, civil society representatives, and other key stakeholders committed to tackling one of the country’s most preventable public health challenges.
Drowning, often referred to by WHO as a “silent epidemic,” claims more than 300,000 lives globally each year, including over 35,000 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Lebanon has already recorded more than 40 drowning-related deaths in 2025—a somber reminder of the urgent need for coordinated national action.
A recent study by Dr. Samar El Hajj from the American University of Beirut, using data from the Internal Security Forces, has shed light on the scope and patterns of drowning incidents in Lebanon:
- 86% of victims are male
- Over half are under the age of 18
- 62% of incidents occur between May and August
- 77% happen in coastal governorates
- 64% occur while swimming, and 30% result from slipping or falling
These statistics underscore the importance of targeted, data-driven interventions and greater public awareness, especially during high-risk months and in vulnerable communities.
The campaign is the direct result of Lebanon’s first national consultation on drowning prevention, held earlier this month by the WHO Lebanon Country Office. The consultation convened more than 20 national stakeholders, including representatives from government ministries, emergency services, civil society, and academia, to develop a coordinated, multisectoral roadmap for drowning prevention.
“This campaign reflects our shared commitment to save lives and protect our communities,” said Dr. Abdinaser Aboubaker, WHO Representative in Lebanon. “Every drowning death is preventable. Together, we can turn the tide through stronger legislation, lifesaving services, and water safety education.”
The campaign also builds on the 2024 first WHO Global Status Report on Drowning, to which Lebanon contributed. The report highlights the urgent need for countries to implement national drowning prevention strategies, improve data collection, and invest in prevention and emergency response measures.
Key objectives of Lebanon’s campaign include:
- Raising public awareness of drowning risks and prevention methods
- Advocating for evidence-based national policies and legislation
- Enhancing multisectoral coordination among stakeholders
- Strengthening emergency preparedness and response systems
The representative of the Ministry of Public Health reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing drowning prevention and ensuring safer environments for all citizens, especially youth.
The WHO expresses its deep appreciation to the Ministry of Public Health for its leadership, and to MARSATI and the Directorate General of Land and Maritime Transport at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport for generously hosting and supporting this national initiative.