Recommendations for the reduction of drownings in military courses with aquatic activities

Introduction: Drowning remains a leading cause of death in aquatic training activities within military courses, especially in Brazil, exacerbated by risk underestimation and unsafe practices. Despite its severity, systematic data on contributing factors and preventive strategies are scarce.

Objective: To present evidence-based technical recommendations aimed at reducing fatal drownings involving aquatic activities in military courses.

Methods: A Delphi method was employed, involving 16 experts in water safety to identify critical factors and develop consensus recommendations. The process included a literature review and analysis of publicly documented drowning cases. Recommendations were refined through multiple feedback rounds and were structured according to the systematic drowning timeline model, divided into three phases: pre-event, event and post-event. The proposed measures seek to mitigate risks, promote a prevention-oriented culture and ensure effective intervention in emergencies.

Results: Fourteen recommendations along three phases of the event addressed specific actions including instructor training, participant screening, safety infrastructure, rapid emergency response and coordination with hospital services.

Conclusion: Sociedade Brasileira de Salvamento Aquático’s recommendations offer a structured and applicable framework to reduce fatal drownings and its severity in military training environments related to pre-event, event and post-event. Their implementation should be tailored to the operational context of each unit, with continuous review, documentation and protocol updates to enhance safety standards.