The NSRI says there is an assumption that most people drown in the ocean but a recent study they conducted showed that drownings occur more frequently in freshwater in South Africa.
The study conducted by the NSRI was to provide an overview of drownings in the country for the time period between 2016 and 2021.
Dr Jill Fortuin, Executive Director of Drowning Prevention at NSRI says the results of the study have indicated that Kwazulu Natal had the highest incidence of drowning.
She says in addition the 0-4-year-age group were more likely to drown.
Dr Fortuin said the second leading province is the Eastern Cape with 1 869 drownings reported in the five-year period followed by Gauteng with 1 006 and then the Western Cape with 864.
She said 81% of drowning victims were men, which can be attributed to more risky behaviour.
The NSRI said it was important to note that their study was conducted on reported drownings and that their numbers could be higher.
The results of the study supported international research and recommendations from the WHO with regard to drowning prevention among preschool children.
"With the festive season upon us, we are urging extreme caution to South Africans who will be making their way to the coast to not drink and swim, supervise children in and around the water and ensure that you know the emergency number," concludes Dr Fortuin.
