Escalating Drowning Disasters in India
Context/Why in News?
- Recent Observance: On July 25, 2024, the world came together to observe World Drowning Prevention Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and driving action against the increasing cases of drowning across the globe.
- Grave Statistics: Drowning has emerged as a critical public health crisis, causing over 2.5 million deaths in the past decade, primarily affecting low- and middle-income countries.
Introduction:
- Drowning is a silent but deadly public health threat that continues to claim countless lives every year. With over 38,000 annual deaths attributed to drowning in India alone, the magnitude of this issue demands immediate and comprehensive intervention. The situation is exacerbated by socio-economic challenges, inadequate safety measures, and environmental factors that contribute to the rising drowning incidents across the country.
Understanding Drowning:
- Definition by WHO: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines drowning as respiratory impairment caused by submersion or immersion in liquid. The outcome of such incidents can range from death to various levels of morbidity.
World Drowning Prevention Day:
- Annual Observance: Held on July 25th each year to commemorate lives lost to drowning and promote water safety awareness globally.
- UNGA Resolution: Established in April 2021 through a United Nations General Assembly resolution, with coordination by the WHO.
- 2024 Theme: “Anyone can drown, no one should.”
- WHO Slogan: “Seconds can save a life.”
Factors Contributing to Drowning Incidents in India:
Proximity to Water Bodies:
- A significant portion of the Indian population resides near rivers, ponds, and wells, which are often used for daily activities without adequate safety measures or supervision, especially for children.
- In 2022, accidental falls into water bodies accounted for 28,257 deaths in India.
Flooding:
- The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, leading to flooding exacerbated by poor drainage systems, leaving communities at a heightened risk of drowning.
Cultural Perceptions:
- In some communities, drowning is often seen as an unavoidable fate, which hampers the effectiveness of safety initiatives and awareness campaigns.
Economic Barriers:
- Financial constraints limit access to life-saving safety equipment, swimming lessons, and emergency services, particularly for low-income families in high-risk areas.
Weak Safety Regulations:
- India lacks stringent safety regulations for public water bodies. The absence of enforced safety measures, such as the presence of lifeguards at beaches and swimming pools, contributes to higher drowning incidents.
Statistics on Drowning Deaths:
Global Mortality Data:
- The WHO’s 2014 report on drowning reveals that approximately 372,000 people lose their lives to drowning each year globally.
Regional Disparities:
- Over 90% of unintentional drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Drowning claims more lives than malnutrition and is a significant public health concern in the WHO Western Pacific and South-East Asia regions, where drowning rates are 27–32 times higher than in the UK or Germany.
India’s Scenario:
- Annual Death Toll: Approximately 38,000 Indians die from drowning every year.
- National Concern: According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2022, drowning accounted for 9.1% of all accidental deaths in India, with 38,503 fatalities.
- State-wise Distribution: Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of drowning deaths at 5,427, followed by Maharashtra (4,728) and Uttar Pradesh (3,007).
- Age and Gender Dynamics: Children aged 1-14 are particularly vulnerable, making drowning one of the leading causes of death in this age group.
WHO’s Role in Addressing Drowning Incidents:
Global Recognition:
- The WHO identifies drowning as a leading cause of injury-related deaths and disabilities worldwide. The first Global Report on Drowning Prevention was published in 2014, marking a significant step in addressing this global health issue.
Key Resolution:
- The WHO Resolution WHA76.18 underscores the necessity for coordinated multi-sectoral actions to mitigate drowning incidents worldwide.
Preventative Measures Against Drowning:
Installation of Barriers:
- Erecting physical barriers around water bodies, such as pools, wells, and ponds, can significantly reduce accidental access, especially for children. Secure fencing and covers are essential preventive tools.
Creation of Safe Zones:
- Designating areas away from water bodies where children and adults can engage in activities safely can help prevent accidental drownings.
Rescue Training:
- Educating the public in life-saving techniques, such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, is crucial. Community-based programs should focus on equipping individuals with these skills to respond effectively in emergencies.
Educational Integration:
- Incorporating water safety and drowning prevention into school curriculums can instill critical life-saving knowledge from an early age.
Enforcement of Boating Safety:
- Strict implementation and enforcement of boating regulations, including mandatory life jacket use and vessel maintenance, are necessary to prevent water-related accidents.
Enhanced Flood Risk Management:
- Developing flood-resistant infrastructure and early warning systems can mitigate the risk of drowning during flood events. Investments in such systems by local authorities are crucial for community safety.
Conclusion/Way Forward:
- Drowning is an avoidable tragedy that demands urgent and coordinated efforts across various sectors in India. By recognizing and addressing the socio-economic and environmental factors that contribute to drowning, India can implement effective measures to reduce fatalities. Government bodies, NGOs, and local communities must work together to build a safer environment, particularly for vulnerable populations like children. Through comprehensive strategies and awareness campaigns, India can ensure that no life is lost to drowning, turning the tide on this silent disaster.
