July 26, 2025

On July 25, World Drowning Prevention Day, a comprehensive survey in West Bengal uncovered distressing statistics about drowning incidents in the region. Conducted by The George Institute for Global Health, the survey revealed that each day, 25 people, including 12 children, die from drowning in the state. This shocking annual toll of 9,191 deaths is nearly three times higher than previous estimates and is considered the largest community-level drowning survey conducted in India, encompassing all 23 districts and surveying a population of 18 million. The research involved gathering information from 15,000 community members. Dr. Medhavi Gupta from The George Institute highlighted the hidden crisis affecting rural areas of West Bengal. Many drowning incidents, especially those involving children, often go unreported because families are reluctant to disclose these tragedies, compounded by inadequate health infrastructure that leads to underreporting. Analysis from the survey indicated that children aged 1-9 years are the most vulnerable demographic, accounting for a staggering 48% of drowning deaths. Toddlers between the ages of 1-2 face a 30% higher risk, with many tragedies occurring near homes—within just 50 metres—particularly during the busy time of 12 noon to 2 pm when caregivers are occupied with tasks. Notably, 93% of the drownings involving children occurred in the absence of an adult. Dr. B Mohammed Asheel from the World Health Organization’s India office pointed out that, despite a global decline in drowning rates over the past two decades, low and middle-income countries like India remain severely affected, with 92% of drowning deaths occurring in these regions. He emphasized the necessity of executing known preventive strategies. Experts in the field have raised concerns that misconceptions about drowning and ineffective rescue efforts contribute to the high fatality rates. Often, harmful techniques such as inducing vomiting and inverting the victim are employed instead of the recommended methods. Alarming statistics show only 10% of drowning victims received proper cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with rescue breaths, which is the critical response for someone experiencing drowning. Furthermore, only 12% sought medical help after an incident. The study proposes essential policy changes such as installing fencing around ponds and water bodies to protect vulnerable toddlers, providing community training in CPR and rescue techniques, and advocating for early swimming education for children. Given that 90% of first responders in drowning incidents are community members, these initiatives could significantly reduce drowning fatalities. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and co-authored with the Child in Need Institute (CINI), this study aims to advocate for essential changes in policy and encourage community action. CINI’s National Advocacy Officer, Sujoy Roy, expressed readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to curtail drowning incidents. In an interview, Roy stated, 'These deaths are 100% preventable. If young children are supervised by adults, all of them can be saved.' He also cautioned that the reported daily death count of 25 may be understated, suggesting that further in-depth studies could reveal a far graver reality. In conclusion, the findings shed light on a significant public health issue in West Bengal. It calls for immediate attention and action from communities, policymakers, and health organizations to ensure the safety of children and prevent these entirely avoidable deaths.

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Tags: Drowning prevention, West bengal, Children safety, Health survey, Community action,