SWIM Cambodia

Our Work in Cambodia

SWIM Cambodia partners with the local organisation HTK to strengthen drowning‑prevention efforts across Cambodian communities. We focus on building local capacity through training, organisational development and fundraising support.

What We Teach

SWIM Cambodia has trained volunteers and NGOs in essential lifesaving skills, including:

• Drowning awareness
• Water safety education
• Safer rescue techniques
• Resuscitation (CPR)
• Survival swimming instruction (RNLI & HTK)

Our Partnerships

SWIM Cambodia supports HTK in developing a national drowning‑prevention partnership with UNICEF and works closely with the RNLI to strengthen training quality and community impact.

V I S I O N  &   M I S S I O N

The vision of SWIM Cambodia is for every child in Cambodia to live safe from drowning.

SWIM Cambodia’s mission is to reduce child drowning and related injuries.

A Child Drowns in Cambodia Every 4 Hours

In Cambodia, drowning is a deadly but largely unknown public health threat. It claims over 1,300 lives annually, and children are the most vulnerable.

WHO reports the drowning rate for all ages as 7.6 per 100,000 people¹, but a nationwide household survey uncovered a much deeper crisis: children aged 1–17 drown at a rate of 35.0 per 100,000². The data paints a tragic picture:

• 2,090 children die from drowning each year

• Six families, lose a child, every day

• Every 4 hours and 12 minutes, a child dies from drowning

• 50 children survive with lifelong disabilities each year

Sources:

1. WHO (2021) Regional status report on drowning in the Western Pacific
2. TASC & UNICEF (2007) Cambodian Accident Injury Survey (CAIS)

Drowning is a leading killer of children

Drowning can be prevented

Help us stop children drowning