Samenvatting
In this paper incidence, risk factors, prognostic factors, prevention and therapy of (near)drowning are described. Yearly, in the Netherlands, 690 persons are submitted to hospital because of submersion, of which 9% dies.In total, 520 persons die of drowning each year. The most important risk groups to aim preventive measures at are formed by children, car occupants, water recreationists, tourists, and ethnic minority groups.