Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid, which can result in death, morbidity or no morbidity. Major risk factors for drowning include age, sex, access to water, lack of effective supervision of children and the frequency of natural and water transport related disasters.

In 2015, more than 78 000 people drowned in the Western Pacific Region, accounting for 22% of the global burden of drowning. It kills more children under than the age of 15 in the Western Pacific Region than tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, measles, meningitis, dengue and malaria combined. In addition to the significant number of deaths, non-fatal drowning (where individuals are rescued and/or resuscitated) results in a substantial number of hospitalizations and impact on the health system. Despite the magnitude and preventability of drowning, priority for action is limited in many low- and middle-income countries.