Department of Disease Control Enhances Water Safety with New Drowning Prevention Curriculum for Children with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) is advancing its efforts to strengthen water safety and social equality, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and World Health Assembly resolutions, which call on all member states to take urgent action to prevent drowning—especially among children with intellectual disabilities and autism, who are at higher risk.

 

 

Drowning remains a serious public health issue both globally and in Thailand. Statistics show that Thailand records an average of 3,687 drowning deaths each year, or about 10 deaths per day, with 645 of the victims being children under 15 years old (based on data from 2015–2024).
Although the country has successfully reduced child drowning deaths by 64%, the figure still exceeds the national target set under the 20-Year National Strategy.

Research has shown that children with special needs, particularly those with autism and intellectual disabilities, are at significantly higher risk of drowning. This is often due to low awareness of danger, limited understanding of consequences, and strong attraction to water, which may cause them to approach water sources without recognizing risks. In addition, some children may wander off or become lost.
International studies indicate that these children are three times more likely to die from drowning compared to other children in Australia, and up to 160 times more likely in the United States.

 

 

To expand drowning prevention efforts to cover these vulnerable groups, the DDC has collaborated with education and child welfare organizations, including the Thai Special Education Teachers Association, Save the Children Thailand, and the Bureau of Special Education Administration, to develop a Drowning Prevention Curriculum for Children with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism.

A pilot training workshop was held for 30 qualified participants from 10 provinces, all of whom had prior experience teaching swimming survival skills, working with children or the public, and contributing to local drowning prevention initiatives. The workshop combined theoretical learning with hands-on practice in swimming pools and took place in Pathum Thani Province.

More than 500 participants from across the country—including public health officers, local administrators, educators, foundations, associations, volunteers, and interested individuals—also joined the online theoretical session, enabling broader dissemination of knowledge and practical skills to support drowning prevention for children with special needs in their local areas.

 

 

Looking ahead, the DDC plans to expand the curriculum into an online e-Learning format, making it more accessible nationwide and accelerating its implementation. The initiative aims to promote inclusive water safety for all children, ensuring that no one is left behind.

 

 

Source:

www.ddc.moph.go.th