Police deploy specialised life-saving teams after rise in drownings

A total of 24 drowning deaths have been reported within the first 41 days of 2026, prompting the Sri Lanka Police to intensify a nationwide life-saving programme in response to what officials describe as an “abnormal” increase in water-related fatalities.   

Police Media Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler, addressing a press conference, said the Inspector General of Police (IGP) had directed the Police Marine Division to strengthen surveillance and enhance safety measures along the country’s coastal belts and inland water bodies.   

To combat the rising number of incidents, Police have established 31 specialised life-saving teams across 48 territorial divisions, covering the entire island. A total of 308 experienced officers, both men and women, have been deployed to 71 high-risk water safety units.

These units are strategically positioned at beaches and reservoirs that have historically recorded the highest number of water-related accidents.   

The latest figures add to a worrying trend observed in recent years. In 2024, 595 people lost their lives due to drowning, while 376 deaths were recorded in 2025. Although police divers successfully saved 247 lives last year, officials stressed that prevention remains the primary objective. Over the past two months alone, police divers have rescued 16 locals and 16 foreign tourists.   

ASP Wootler urged the public to strictly adhere to warning signs and red flags displayed at hazardous swimming locations. Parents and guardians were advised to maintain constant supervision of children, especially during outings and visits to swimming pools. He also cautioned against swimming in unfamiliar or isolated waters and warned that the consumption of alcohol or drugs before entering the water continues to be a leading cause of preventable drowning incidents.