Stopping Child Drowning in Cambodia

Water flows through every part of life in Cambodia. Rivers, ponds, and waterways sustain our communities and feed our families. But this same water poses a deadly threat to our children. 

In Cambodia, drowning causes an estimated 1,300¹ deaths every year, with children disproportionately affected. Behind each number is a child who will never come home, a family left heartbroken, a future stolen too soon.

The time to act is now. 

The Crisis We Face 

Cambodia faces one of the world's highest drowning rates. 

• Drowning kills more children aged 5–14 than any other cause¹
• For children aged 1–4 and young people aged 15–24, drowning ranks as the second biggest killer¹
• Cambodia's drowning rate is 7.6 per 100,000 people—nearly twice the regional average and more than double the global rate¹
• Boys face nearly twice the risk of girls due to greater exposure to water activities¹

These numbers represent real children whose lives we can save. 

How UNICEF Is Taking Action 

UNICEF works directly with Cambodia's government, schools, families, and community organisations to turn the tide against drowning. UNICEF works to tackle this crisis on multiple fronts. 

Teaching Life-Saving Skills 

We're putting essential knowledge and skills directly into children's hands. Over the next two years, these programmes will: 

• Teach 1,340 children in survival swimming skills that could save their lives
• Show 9,160 children on water safety and rescue techniques
• Help 530 caregivers on water safety and life-saving skills
• Prepare 8 teachers as water safety trainers, creating lasting protection in schools 

Building Stronger Policies 

Real change requires strong policies. UNICEF supports Cambodia in: 

• Implementing the National Strategic Plan on Drowning Prevention and Management 2025-2030
• Pioneering implementation of a programme model on water safety education and survival swimming and drowning rescue.
• Promoting data collection and analysis
• Raising awareness through schools, social media, and community events 

Six Ways You Can Protect Children Today 

Every parent, caregiver, and community member can help prevent drowning: 

1. Create safe play areas away from water. Never leave young children near water unsupervised.
2. Install barriers around water sources. Fences and gates prevent accidental drowning.
3. Teach children to swim and stay safe. Swimming lessons can mean the difference between life and death.
4. Stay alert during floods. Never leave small children alone during flooding.
5. Learn water rescue skills. Knowing how to respond in an emergency saves lives.
6. Use lifejackets. Properly worn lifejackets can cut drowning deaths in half.