文本框: CHILDHOOD DROWNING PREVENTION Ozanne-Smith J1, Wigglesworth E1 1Monash University Accident Research Centre, Melbourne Australia Drowning is the 11th and 4th ranked cause of childhood deaths worldwide in 0-4 year olds and 5-14 years olds, respectively (WHO, 1998). Objective: To investigate childhood drowning rates by age group and gender from 1931-1998 in Australia and the effects of major interventions. Methods: Both drowning death and age specific population data were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics for the period 1931-1998 for children aged 0-14 years. These data were analysed for age, gender and secular trend. Information was obtained on interventions to prevent drownings over this period from various secondary sources. Results: Children are over-represented in drowning statistics. The 0-14 years child drowning rate in Australia has reduced from 9/100,000 in 1931 to less than 1/100,000 in 1998. Reductions in drowning rates of more than 50% were observed in association with the introduction of widespread school-based swimming and water safety lessons for children aged 5-14 years from the 1950s. Swimming pool fencing regulations and media attention were associated with a reduction of more than 50% in 0-4 year old drownings following a peak in the 1970s. Conclusion: Australia and similar countries have achieved dramatic reductions in child drownings associated with targeted interventions. Many developing countries still experience high drowning rates which may be preventable. 1951