The International Life Saving Federation acknowledges the International Day of the Worldâ„¢s Indigenous People (August 9).

The International Life Saving Federation acknowledges the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People (August 9). In acknowledging this day, we pay special attention to the burden of drowning carried by Indigenous peoples across the globe.

We understand from research in developed countries such as Australia and Canada that indigenous people are at significantly greater risk of drowning than the wider population. This pattern is likely to be replicated in other similar countries.

In Australia, Indigenous people are up to three times more likely to drown, and for women living in rural and remote areas that risk increases to six times compared to the equivalent non indigenous populations.

In Canada, First nations and Inuit people are up to ten times more likely to drown. In each case this disparity can be attributed to factors such as increased exposure to water through cultural and subsistence activities such as hunting and fishing, settling in close proximity to a variety of water hazards, and in some cases alcohol is known to be a contributing factor.

There appears to be little evidence that maps the burden of indigenous people living in developing countries.

ILS members work to engage indigenous communities in programs that seek to increase involvement, design and deliver appropriate program, and build more sustainable community resilience and skills to prevent drowning. Partnerships developed in Canada, New Zealand and Australia have featured at past ILS conferences.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People was first pronounced by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1994, and was initially to be celebrated every year during the first International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People (1995 ” 2004), and has subsequently been acknowledged by a range of international, regional and national organisations.