As IMRF Trustee James Vaughan notes, many academics call drowning ‘the silent epidemic’. According to the World Health Organization 40 people drown every hour around the world.

Forty people. Every hour.

That is equivalent to 70% of the global death toll from malnutrition and 60% of the toll from malaria. And the WHO’s statistics do not even include transport, flooding or migrant losses. Yet the problem does not have the recognition – or the response – it needs.

9 out of 10 drownings occur in poorer countries, often in Africa and Asia and often far inland. As James says, to make a real impact on this ‘silent epidemic’, those of us in maritime search and rescue need to work with many partner organisations focussing on other aspects of the problem. One example of this is the IMRF’s project work in the Aegean with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the charity Save the Children. However, says James, “We all need to consider who else we need to work with to tackle drowning effectively.”

One great source of information on the causes of drowning and the range of potential interventions is Drowning: prevention, rescue, treatment, edited by Joost J L M Bierens.

Drowning is now available in its second edition. Since the first edition was published in 2005 studies have increased understanding of effective drowning prevention strategies, rescue techniques, and treatment options. Much has been learned about submersion and immersion hypothermia, SCUBA-diving injuries, lifesaving preparations for water-related disasters and how to deal with forensic investigations.

In this updated edition experts from around the world provide a complete overview of current research data, consensus statements and expert opinions. The book provides evidence-based and practical information of immense use to groups and individuals with tasks, duties and responsibilities in this domain. It is also an inspiration for future network and research initiatives.

At over 1200 pages long (and weighing 2.3 kg!) this is a large and comprehensive volume – and its retail price and postage costs reflect this. However, the IMRF believe that it should be made as widely available as possible.

We are therefore offering the book for sale through the IMRF online bookshop – for £90, which is a saving of up to 50% on the usual retail price. And, as part of this special offer, our price is inclusive of packing and postage to anywhere in the world.

What’s more, if you are an IMRF Member, you can claim as a Member benefit an additional 20% discount, bringing the price down to £72, inclusive of p&p.

These are huge discounts, and we can only maintain them while our limited current stock lasts. So please hurry to buy your copy of this world-leading guidance! Visit www.imrfbookshop.org today.