A Survey of Prevention of Drowning Accidents in Korea

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to report the incidence of drowning accident in order to prevent and decrease the accidents of drowning. Methods : Data were obtained on all accidents of drowning accidents occurred were identified by using the Emergency Activity Daily Report Data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Results : The age, location, days, season of the drowning accident were examined. The Chi-square test was used to compare each group. All comparisons were made at the p<0.05 level of significance. The result show that the age of drowning accidents for victims aged 20-29 was 27.9%, and for victims aged 30-39 years, 18.7%. In reguard to the age group, drowning accidents was age 20-39; 51(44.8%). In reguard to the locations, the number of drowning accidents in a lake or reservoir was 62(53.4%). The number of drowning accidents in a lake or reservoir during etc was 51(58%). In reguard to the days, the number of drowning accidents on Saturday was 30(25.8%), on Sunday 32(27.6%). The weather of drowning accidents was sunny 60(51.8%), rainy 40(34.4%), cloudy 16(13.8%). The season of drowning accidents was summer 53(45.7%). In reguard to season, two groups are significantly different. Conclusion : Drowning is a leading cause of injury related accidents. Understanding the characteristics of drowning is the first step to developing prevention strategies that may be beneficial for people of all ages and under nearly all circumstances are increased swimming ability, lifeguard staffing, providing life jackets, and public education activities.