A call to prevent drowning deaths

People don’t seem to listen to warnings issued by the Police. Despite repeated awareness, drowning deaths are reported from various parts of the country. It is common sense that there are rough water currents during heavy rains and especially when spill gates open in major reservoirs.

But, despite these warnings people continue to take risks and swim in unknown water bodies. Another concern is with regards to the number of youth that succumb to drowning. These are young lives and the future of this country that is carelessly thrown away due to carelessness. Sometimes there are concerns about whether these individuals have been intoxicated with alcohol and/ or other drugs that compel them to engage in risky behaviours. In most instances, those who visit these places become vulnerable to drowning as they are unaware of the conditions of these water bodies. Therefore, even though there were media reports about a national mechanism being set up to prevent drowning deaths, that needs to be implemented as soon as possible to save unnecessary deaths from drowning.

Asela Peiris Kottawa