Establishment of a National Umbrella NGO for Drowning Prevention: How major drowning prevention stakeholders gathered to meet the recommendations of the UN Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention and reduce Norwegian drowning figures

Although almost as many people die in drowning accidents1 as in road traffic accidents in Norway, drowning prevention has received far less attention. The Norwegian Parliament's zero vision for traffic fatalities from 2002, was followed up by national action plans and close collaboration across sectors and stakeholders. In 20 years, the number of deaths has decreased from over 300 to under 100 per year. A report2 from The Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue concluded that drowning prevention should draw inspiration from road traffic work and recommended the establishment of an independent umbrella organization for drowning prevention stakeholders. In autumn 2021, The Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue invited Norwegian Lifesaving Society, The Norwegian Swimming Federation, The Norwegian Canoe Federation, The Norwegian Trekking Association and The Norwegian University of Science to form an interim board to establish the umbrella NGO. The organization Flyte3 ('to float') was founded in April 2022. Flyte's purpose is to prevent drowning. The goals are particularly inspired by the recommendations in the UN Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention: Become the national center of expertise for drowning prevention. Be a driving force in the development of a national action plan for drowning prevention. Be a key voice in the development of drowning prevention measures, legislation, and guidelines. Improve national drowning data and contribute to more research on drowning. Develop and coordinate drowning prevention campaigns. In less than 18 months, Flyte has: Established a close dialogue with the government and members of parliament, resulting in a national zero vision for drowning, accompanied by an action plan. Created an annual meeting place for all stakeholders at Norway's first drowning prevention conference. Begun collaboration with academia related to research. Started collaboration with local authorities and businesses on water-safe communities. Launched a major national campaign targeting the 60+ population. Become National Data Focal Point for WHO´s Global Report on Drowning Prevention. The establishment of Flyte demonstrates how stakeholders can collectively influence authorities, implement evidence-based measures and campaigns, and bring more attention to drowning as a preventable public health challenge. Flyte hopes that the lessons learned so far can serve as an inspiration.