Drowning Prevention & Water Safety: Educational Resource by Feel Safe Foundation
This educational resource by Feel Safe Education and Sports Foundation is dedicated to saving lives through awareness, education, and effective drowning prevention strategies across communities in India.
The document provides clear information on drowning risks, vulnerable groups, and practical prevention measures that can be implemented at community and institutional levels.
WHO research materials are attached for reference and deeper understanding of evidence-based drowning prevention strategies.
We hope this guide supports awareness and collective action toward safer water environments.
Understanding Drowning: A Silent Epidemic
Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid. It ranks among the leading causes of unintentional injury death worldwide, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives annually. Unlike what we see in movies, drowning is often a silent, rapid event that occurs within minutes.
Many drownings are preventable through education, supervision, and safety measures. Understanding how drowning occurs, recognizing the warning signs, and knowing prevention strategies can save lives in your community.

Critical Fact: Drowning can happen in as little as 20-60 seconds and often occurs silently, without the splashing or calling for help depicted in popular media.
Global Drowning Statistics: A Worldwide Crisis
WHO’s 2024 fact sheet estimates around 300 000 deaths per year from drowning worldwide, More than 90 % (about 92 %) of drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Drowning disproportionately affects children and young people. Children aged under 5 years have the highest drowning rates per population, and about 24 % of all drowning deaths are among children under 5 Drowning is among the top causes of death for young children globally, especially ages 1–4 and 5–14.
Global Drowning Statistics
300K
Annual Deaths Worldwide
The World Health Organization estimates over 300,000 drowning deaths occur globally each year, making it a leading cause of injury-related death.
90%
Occur in Low-Income Countries
The vast majority of drowning deaths happen in low and middle-income nations, particularly in Asia and Africa where water access is high but safety infrastructure is limited.
3rd
Leading Cause for Children
Drowning is among the leading causes of unintentional injury death worldwide and is commonly cited as the third leading cause globally; children under five years of age have the highest drowning rates per population.
Global drowning rates remain alarmingly high despite being largely preventable. The burden falls disproportionately on vulnerable populations with limited access to swimming education, supervised swimming areas, and safety equipment. Many drownings occur during daily activities like bathing, collecting water, or traveling in boats.
Drowning in India: National Crisis
India faces a severe drowning crisis, with an estimated 38,000 drowning deaths annually, though actual numbers may be significantly higher due to underreporting. This makes drowning one of the leading causes of accidental death in the country, particularly affecting children and young adults in rural areas.
High-Risk States (Deaths approx per Year)
  • West Bengal: ~3,500 deaths - extensive river networks and monsoon flooding
  • Uttar Pradesh: ~3,200 deaths - Ganges River access, large population
  • Bihar: ~2,800 deaths - flood-prone regions, limited infrastructure
  • Maharashtra: ~2,400 deaths - coastal drownings, water bodies
  • Madhya Pradesh: ~2,000 deaths - rivers and reservoir accidents
40%
Children Under 15
Nearly half of drowning victims in India are children and adolescents
70%
In Rural Areas
Most drownings occur in rural settings with unsupervised water access
Contributing factors include: monsoon flooding creating dangerous water conditions, open wells and ponds without barriers, lack of swimming education (only 10-15% of Indians can swim), limited lifeguard coverage at beaches and public pools, and cultural/religious bathing practices in rivers without safety measures.
Drowning in India: National Overview
High Drowning Mortality Rate
India experiences approximately 38,000 drowning deaths annually, making it one of the highest drowning mortality rates globally.
Vulnerable Age Group
  • Children under 5 years (0–4 years):
    Most vulnerable group globally — highest drowning rates per population.
  • Children aged 5–14 years:
    Drowning is a leading cause of death in this age group worldwide (ranked among the top causes).
  • Young people aged 15–29 years:
    Significant risk, particularly among males, due to exposure to open water, risk-taking behavior, and occupational or recreational activities.
The heartbreaking reality of drowning in India often unfolds in familiar, yet perilous, natural water bodies: from flowing rivers and tranquil ponds to vast lakes, deep wells, and essential agricultural water storage tanks. These are not just locations; they are silent witnesses to a preventable tragedy. The critical factors fueling this crisis are profoundly human: a severe lack of basic swimming education, insufficient supervision, the absence of protective barriers around dangerous water sources, and a widespread deficit in public awareness about water safety. Each of these challenges represents a missed opportunity to save a life, highlighting the urgent need for collective action to transform these devastating statistics into stories of survival.
How Climate Change Increases Drowning Risks
  1. More frequent and intense floods Climate change is causing more extreme rainfall and severe storms, which lead to floods — the most common natural disaster worldwide. Floods are especially dangerous because drowning accounts for around 75 % of deaths in flood disasters, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where warning systems and infrastructure may be weak.
  1. Stronger storms, cyclones, and coastal hazards Storm surges, cyclones, and hurricanes are becoming more intense with climate change, increasing flooding and unsafe water conditions. Rising sea levels also worsen coastal flooding and expose low-lying communities to greater drowning risk.
  1. Heatwaves and behavior changes Higher temperatures and heatwaves drive more people to swim or seek relief in water, which can increase drowning incidents if safety measures aren’t followed.
  1. Melting glaciers and altered water flow Warmer temperatures cause glaciers to melt and increase river flow and flooding, which can make rivers and water bodies more dangerous and unpredictable.
  1. Displacement and risky migration Climate change forces people to migrate or flee disasters, sometimes using dangerous water routes (e.g., overcrowded boats), increasing drowning risk among displaced populations.
📌 Summary
Climate change amplifies drowning risk by increasing flood frequency and severity, intense storms and coastal hazards, heatwave-related water exposure, and dangerous water conditions from melting glaciers and rising seas. Drowning is a major cause of death in flood disasters, highlighting how climate-driven weather extremes elevate vulnerability — especially in regions with limited flood protection and warning systems.

www.who.int

Floods

Solutions to Reduce Drowning Risk in the Context of Climate Change
Flood-Focused Prevention
Protect Children (Highest-Risk Group)
Community Training & Preparedness
Safe Infrastructure & Urban Planning
Climate-Responsive Policies
Public Awareness & Behaviour Change
WHO-Aligned Key Message
Climate change increases drowning risk, but drowning is preventable. Combining climate adaptation, child protection, community preparedness, and water safety education can significantly reduce drowning deaths.
State-Wise Approx Drowning Deaths in India
West Bengal
A 2025 survey indicates over 25 drowning deaths per day on average in West Bengal, equating to around 9,000 drowning deaths annually. Approximately half of the victims are children.

The New Indian Express

West Bengal sees 25 drowning deaths daily, half of them children: Survey

Over 25 deaths by drowning on an average are reported every day in West Bengal, with half of the deceased being children, a recent survey has said, while advoca

Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh experiences about 1,600 drowning deaths annually, with many victims being youngsters.

The Times of India

With 1,600 deaths annually, drowning incidents raise alarm in Andhra Pradesh | Vijayawada News - Times of India

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh is facing a growing concern over drowning incidents, with the state accounting for at least 1,600 drowning deaths every .

Bihar
5,000 deaths annually
Flooding during monsoon season
Limited swimming education
Madhya Pradesh
4,000 deaths annually
Rural water bodies
Inadequate safety barriers
Other states with significant drowning incidents include Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Assam. Coastal states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat also report substantial numbers of drowning deaths related to beaches and fishing activities.
Understanding Fatal and Non-Fatal Drowning
Drowning is a critical water safety issue that can result in either fatal or non-fatal outcomes. Understanding the differences between types of drowning and recognizing warning signs can save lives. This presentation breaks down the key distinctions and provides essential first aid guidance.
What is Fatal Drowning?
Fatal drowning occurs when a person dies as a result of being unable to breathe after submersion or immersion in water. The victim does not survive the incident.
Respiratory Failure
Inability to breathe leads to oxygen deprivation and organ failure
Water Submersion
Complete immersion prevents access to air and breathing
Critical Outcome
Without immediate intervention, the victim does not survive
Types of Fatal Drowning
1
Wet Drowning (Fatal)
Water enters the lungs, causing severe lung damage and oxygen deprivation. This is the most common cause of fatal drowning.
2
Dry Drowning (Fatal – Rare)
No water enters the lungs. A severe throat spasm (laryngospasm) blocks air, leading to suffocation.
3
Secondary Drowning (Fatal if Untreated)
Water inhaled earlier causes lung inflammation that develops over hours. Can lead to death if medical care is delayed.
4
Silent Drowning
No shouting or splashing occurs. The victim quietly slips under water and is often fatal if unnoticed.
What is Non-Fatal Drowning?
Non-fatal drowning means a person survives after a drowning incident, with or without injury. Survival occurs due to timely rescue and proper first aid intervention.
Timely Rescue
Quick response prevents fatal outcome
First Aid Applied
Immediate care restores breathing and circulation
Survival Achieved
Victim lives but may require medical observation
Types of Non-Fatal Drowning
01
Wet Drowning (Non-Fatal)
Small amount of water enters lungs. Victim survives after rescue but may need medical observation.
02
Dry Drowning (Non-Fatal)
Temporary airway spasm occurs. Breathing returns after rescue and requires monitoring.
03
Near Drowning
Older term still commonly used. Victim almost drowned but survived the incident.
04
Secondary Drowning (Non-Fatal)
Delayed breathing problems develop after rescue. Can become fatal if ignored or untreated.
Fatal vs. Non-Fatal Drowning Comparison
The Critical 24-Hour Observation Period

🚨 Any rescued drowning victim must be observed for 24 hours, even if they seem fine.
Even when a drowning victim appears to have fully recovered after rescue, dangerous complications can develop hours later. This is particularly true for secondary drowning, where water in the lungs causes delayed inflammation and breathing difficulties.
Medical professionals emphasize that the first 24 hours after a drowning incident are critical. During this time, victims should be closely monitored for any signs of respiratory distress or other complications. Never assume someone is "fine" just because they're breathing normally immediately after rescue.
Warning Signs After Rescue
Watch for these critical symptoms in the 24 hours following a drowning incident. Any of these signs require immediate medical attention:
Continuous Coughing
Persistent coughing that doesn't stop may indicate water or irritation in the lungs
Chest Pain
Pain or tightness in the chest area signals potential lung damage or inflammation
Breathing Difficulty
Fast or labored breathing indicates respiratory distress requiring urgent care
Fever
Elevated temperature may signal infection or inflammatory response in the lungs
Extreme Tiredness
Unusual fatigue or lethargy can indicate oxygen deprivation or organ stress
Key Takeaways: Water Safety Saves Lives
Know the Types
Understand fatal vs. non-fatal drowning and recognize silent drowning risks
Act Quickly
Immediate rescue and first aid are critical for survival and recovery
Monitor 24 Hours
Always observe rescued victims for a full day, even if they seem fine
Seek Medical Help
Watch for warning signs and get immediate medical attention when needed
Understanding drowning types and proper response protocols can mean the difference between life and death. Stay vigilant, act fast, and never underestimate the importance of post-rescue observation.
Wet Drowning: The Most Common Type
What Happens
Wet drowning accounts for approximately 85-90% of all drowning cases. It occurs when water enters the lungs during submersion, preventing oxygen exchange. The victim typically gasps or inhales water, which floods the airways and alveoli.
As water fills the lungs, oxygen cannot reach the bloodstream, leading to hypoxia. The heart continues to beat briefly, but without oxygen, cardiac arrest follows within minutes. Brain damage can begin within 4-6 minutes of oxygen deprivation.
Key Characteristics
  • Water physically enters and fills the lungs
  • Victim may initially struggle and gasp
  • Most common in fresh and saltwater incidents
  • Detectable in post-mortem examination through water-filled lungs and foam in airways
  • Can occur in both swimming and non-swimming victims
Dry Drowning: A Dangerous Myth Clarified
The term "dry drowning" has created confusion and unnecessary panic. Medical professionals have largely abandoned this term because it's misleading. What people call "dry drowning" actually refers to laryngospasm—when the vocal cords spasm and close off the airway to prevent water entry.
This accounts for 10-15% of drowning deaths where little to no water is found in the lungs during post-mortem examination. The victim suffocates because they cannot breathe, not because water fills their lungs. Death results from oxygen deprivation caused by the closed airway.
Important Note: The idea that someone can be fine after a water incident and then "drown" hours or days later at home while watching TV is largely a myth. If someone has difficulty breathing after a water incident, they need immediate medical attention—but the delayed danger is respiratory complications from water aspiration, not sudden mysterious drowning.
Secondary (Delayed) Drowning: Real Risks Explained
Secondary drowning, more accurately called "delayed complications from water aspiration," occurs when small amounts of water enter the lungs and cause inflammation or infection hours after the incident. This is a real medical concern, though rare.
Timeline: Symptoms typically appear within 1-24 hours after the water incident, though most occur within the first 8 hours.
Signs to Watch For:
  • Persistent coughing
  • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Extreme fatigue or lethargy
  • Changes in behavior or confusion
  • Vomiting
  • Foam at the mouth or nose

When to Seek Medical Help
If anyone, especially a child, shows any breathing difficulties or unusual symptoms after a water incident—even if they seemed fine initially—seek immediate medical attention. Don't wait to see if symptoms improve.
Medical evaluation can identify lung inflammation or fluid accumulation. Treatment may include monitoring, oxygen therapy, or in severe cases, respiratory support. Early intervention prevents progression to respiratory failure.
Active vs. Passive Drowning: Critical Differences
Active Drowning
The victim is conscious and struggling to stay afloat. Despite popular depictions, active drowning is often silent—the person cannot call for help because they're using all their energy to breathe.
Recognition signs:
  • Head low in water, mouth at water level
  • Head tilted back with mouth open
  • Eyes glassy, empty, or closed
  • Arms pressing down to lift body
  • Vertical body position, no leg kicks
  • Rapid, labored breathing or hyperventilation
  • Attempting to swim but making no progress
Duration: Active drowning lasts only 20-60 seconds before submersion occurs. Immediate rescue is critical.
Passive Drowning
The victim is unconscious and motionless in the water, either floating face-down or submerged. This occurs after active drowning, from sudden medical emergencies (heart attack, seizure, stroke), or when someone is already unconscious before entering water.
Recognition signs:
  • Floating face-down, motionless
  • Submerged and still
  • No response to stimuli
  • Limp body position
Response: Requires immediate rescue and CPR. Every second counts—brain damage begins within 4-6 minutes without oxygen.
Silent Drowning: The Reality That Saves Lives
Perhaps the most dangerous misconception about drowning is that it's loud, dramatic, and obvious. In reality, drowning is often completely silent. This is what experts call "silent drowning," and understanding it can mean the difference between life and death.
Why drowning is silent: When someone is truly drowning, their mouth sinks below and reappears above the water surface. During these brief moments above water, they're exhaling and inhaling quickly, with no time to call out. They physically cannot yell or wave for help—all their energy and physiological responses are focused on trying to breathe and stay afloat.
Children can drown in plain sight at a crowded pool party. Adults assume someone would hear splashing or cries for help, but drowning victims slip beneath the surface silently, unnoticed. This is why constant, active supervision is essential—you must watch continuously, not just listen.
Post-Mortem Detection of Drowning
01
External Examination
Foam or froth around mouth and nostrils (often pink-tinged from blood), waterlogged appearance of skin, debris under fingernails from grasping, lividity patterns consistent with water immersion
02
Internal Findings
Water in lungs and airways, foam in trachea and bronchi, emphysema aquosum (over-expansion of lungs), water in stomach, hemorrhages in temporal bones (middle ear)
03
Laboratory Tests
Diatom test (microscopic algae found in water bodies—detected in organs indicates water entered bloodstream), differences in electrolyte levels between blood in different heart chambers
04
Additional Analysis
Toxicology screening for alcohol or drugs, examination for underlying medical conditions, analysis of lung tissue for water and particulates
Challenges in diagnosis: Some drowning cases, particularly dry drowning or rapid deaths, may show minimal post-mortem findings. Decomposition, if the body was in water for extended periods, can obscure evidence. Forensic pathologists must combine multiple findings and circumstantial evidence to confirm drowning as the cause of death.
Post-Mortem Identification of Drowning
Forensic Indicators Present
Medical examiners look for specific signs during autopsy to confirm drowning as cause of death:
  • Water in lungs: Presence of fluid in airways and lung tissue
  • Foam in airways: Fine, white froth in trachea and bronchi from mixing air and water
  • Hemodilution: Dilution of blood in left side of heart (fresh water)
  • Diatoms: Microscopic algae found in organs if drowning occurred in natural water
  • Waterlogging: Heavy, waterlogged lungs
  • External signs: Washerwoman hands/feet, foam at mouth/nose
Diagnostic Challenges
Some drowning cases present difficulties in post-mortem confirmation:
  • Dry drowning: Minimal to no water in lungs due to laryngospasm
  • Rapid death: Immediate cardiac arrest may prevent water aspiration
  • Decomposition: Body changes can mask or mimic drowning signs
  • Dry land recovery: Resuscitation attempts may remove water from lungs
  • Secondary drowning: Delayed death means traditional signs may not be present
In these cases, investigators rely on scene investigation, witness statements, and circumstantial evidence combined with autopsy findings.
Take Action Today
Drowning prevention requires community-wide commitment to education, infrastructure improvements, and cultural change. Contact Feel Safe Education and Sports Foundation to bring comprehensive water safety programs to your school, community center, or organization. Together, we can save lives through knowledge, preparation, and vigilant supervision. Every person deserves to enjoy water safely.
When Drowning Is Not Evident in Post-Mortem
In some drowning cases, post-mortem examination reveals minimal or no water in the lungs, creating challenges for forensic determination. This occurs in several scenarios that forensic pathologists must carefully evaluate.
Rapid Cardiac Death
When someone dies from sudden cardiac arrest upon entering cold water (cold water shock), death occurs before significant water aspiration. The heart stops due to the shock, not from drowning itself.
Dry Drowning/Laryngospasm
As mentioned earlier, when vocal cords spasm shut, little water enters the lungs. The victim suffocates with a closed airway. Post-mortem shows minimal water in lungs but signs of asphyxiation.
Rapid Death Before Aspiration
In some cases, death occurs so quickly that the victim doesn't inhale water. This might happen with severe trauma, underlying medical conditions, or extremely rapid submersion.
Forensic Approach
When lungs show minimal water, pathologists examine:
  • Circumstantial evidence (body found in water)
  • Signs of asphyxiation
  • Diatom testing results
  • Evidence of laryngospasm
  • Underlying medical conditions
  • Toxicology results
  • Witness statements
Prevention Strategy #1: Constant, Active Supervision
The most critical drowning prevention measure is constant, active supervision. This means an adult is watching swimmers continuously—not reading, not on their phone, not socializing. Their sole focus is watching the water.
Touch Supervision for Young Children
For children under 5 and non-swimmers, an adult should be within arm's reach at all times in or near water. This is called "touch supervision." The adult should be in the water with the child, able to reach them instantly.
The Water Watcher System
When multiple adults are present, designate one adult as the "Water Watcher" for 15-minute shifts. This person wears a visible tag or hat and commits to doing nothing but watching the water. After 15 minutes, pass the responsibility to another adult. This system prevents the diffusion of responsibility where everyone assumes someone else is watching.
Never assume someone is safe because multiple adults are nearby. Drowning happens at supervised pools and beaches because attention lapses. Active supervision means eyes on the water every single second.
Prevention Strategy #2: Learn to Swim
Early Enrollment (Age 1-4)
Enroll children in age-appropriate water familiarization and basic swimming lessons. Research shows formal swimming lessons reduce drowning risk by 88% in children aged 1-4.
Progressive Skill Development (Age 5-12)
Continue regular swimming lessons to build competency. Children should learn to swim at least 25 yards, tread water, enter and exit water safely, and recognize when they're in trouble.
Adult Swimming Education
Adults who cannot swim should take lessons. It's never too late to learn. Many drowning deaths involve adults who overestimate their abilities or panic in water.
Ongoing Practice
Swimming is a skill that requires maintenance. Regular practice throughout the year maintains competency and confidence. Don't assume skills learned years ago are still sharp.
Important note: Swimming lessons significantly reduce risk but don't eliminate it. Even skilled swimmers can drown due to fatigue, currents, medical emergencies, or panic. Supervision remains essential regardless of swimming ability.
Prevention Strategy #3: Parent Education and Mother's Guidance
Parents and caregivers are the first line of defense in drowning prevention. Comprehensive parent education should begin during pregnancy and early childhood, with mothers playing a particularly crucial role as primary caregivers in many communities.
Education from Childhood
Mothers should teach water safety from toddlerhood:
  • Water is fun but can be dangerous
  • Never enter water without permission
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Respect water bodies—even shallow water requires caution
  • What to do if someone is in trouble (get adult help, don't attempt rescue)
Parent education programs should cover supervision strategies, recognizing drowning signs, basic water rescue (without endangering yourself), CPR training, home water hazards (bathtubs, buckets, wells, ponds), and age-appropriate safety rules. Community health workers and maternal health programs in India and the US should integrate water safety into existing education initiatives.
Prevention Strategy #4: Life Jackets in Water Sports and Adventures
Life jackets save lives—but only if you wear them. Coast Guard-approved life jackets (personal flotation devices or PFDs) are essential for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, rafting, and any water activity where you might unexpectedly end up in water.
Critical Guidelines
  • Always wear, don't just carry: Most boating drowning victims had a life jacket available but weren't wearing it. When accidents happen, there's no time to put one on.
  • Proper fit is essential: Life jackets must be the correct size and properly fastened. A loose life jacket can slip off in water.
  • Children's life jackets: Children must wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets designed for their weight. Adult life jackets don't protect children properly.
  • Check condition regularly: Ensure buckles, straps, and flotation material are in good condition. Replace damaged life jackets.
For water activities in India, where water sports tourism is growing, operators must provide properly fitting life jackets and enforce their use. Parents should never allow children to participate in water activities without proper flotation devices, regardless of swimming ability.
Prevention Strategy #5: Pool Barriers and Fencing
1
Four-Sided Fencing
Install fences at least 4 feet high that completely surround the pool, separating it from the house and yard. Three-sided fences with the house as the fourth side are less effective because children can access the pool through house doors.
2
Self-Closing, Self-Latching Gates
Gates should close and latch automatically every time. Latches should be high enough (at least 54 inches) that young children cannot reach them. Test gates regularly to ensure proper function.
3
Additional Safety Layers
Use pool covers when not in use (remove completely before swimming—never allow anyone to swim under a cover). Install door and pool alarms. Remove ladders from above-ground pools when not in use. Create a barrier-free zone—keep toys, furniture, and climbing aids away from fences.
4
Regular Inspection
Check barriers weekly for gaps, holes, damage, or climbing opportunities. Children are creative—they'll exploit any weakness in pool barriers. Repair issues immediately.
Pool barriers reduce drowning risk in young children by approximately 83%. They're particularly crucial during parties or gatherings when supervision might lapse. In India, as private pools become more common, barrier installation should be legally required and culturally normalized.
Prevention Strategy #6: Water Safety Signs and Rules
Clear, visible water safety signs communicate critical information and establish behavioral expectations. Effective signage uses universal symbols, multiple languages, and strategic placement.
Essential Pool Rules Signage
  • No diving in shallow water: Specify minimum depth for diving
  • No running on pool deck: Slippery surfaces cause injuries
  • Swim with a buddy: Never swim alone
  • No horseplay or rough games: Prevents dangerous situations
  • Emergency contact information: Visible emergency numbers and location
  • Depth markers: Clearly mark shallow and deep areas
  • Pool capacity: Maximum number of swimmers allowed
  • Adult supervision required: For children under specific age
  • No alcohol: In areas designated for children or competitive swimming
Signs should be in English, Hindi, and local regional languages in India. Use pictograms that transcend language barriers. Place signs at all entry points and throughout the facility where they're easily visible.
Prevention Strategy #7: Boating Safety
Wear Life Jackets
Every person on a boat must wear a properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times. Don't just have them available—wear them. Most boating drowning victims weren't wearing their available life jacket.
Check Weather Conditions
Before departure, check weather forecasts and water conditions. Don't venture out in threatening weather. Be prepared to return immediately if conditions deteriorate. Sudden storms are a leading cause of boating accidents.
Boating Education
Boat operators should complete boating safety courses covering navigation rules, emergency procedures, equipment operation, and water safety. Many states and countries require boating licenses or certification.
Emergency Equipment
Ensure boats have required safety equipment: life jackets for all passengers, throwable flotation devices, fire extinguisher, sound-producing device, visual distress signals, first aid kit, and communication device (radio or phone).
Never Drink and Boat
Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, coordination, and reaction time—all critical for safe boating. Boat operator intoxication is a leading factor in fatal boating accidents. The sun, wind, and motion intensify alcohol's effects on water.
File a Float Plan
Tell someone your boating plans: where you're going, who's with you, boat description, expected return time. If you don't return as planned, they can alert authorities quickly, improving rescue chances.
Prevention Strategy #8: Alcohol and Water Don't Mix
The Dangerous Combination
Alcohol is a major contributing factor in drowning deaths, involved in approximately 25-50% of adolescent and adult drowning incidents. The effects of alcohol are intensified in water environments due to sun exposure, heat, and dehydration.
Alcohol impairs:
Judgment about safe swimming conditions and personal abilities
Coordination and balance
Reaction time in emergencies
Body temperature regulation
Swimming skills and endurance

Zero Tolerance Policy
Establish a strict no-alcohol policy for anyone swimming, boating, supervising children near water, or operating water vehicles. Save drinking for after water activities have concluded.
In social settings involving water—pool parties, beach gatherings, boating trips—designate alcohol-free supervisors responsible for watching children and non-swimmers. Adults should never drink alcohol while responsible for supervising children in or near water.
Prevention Strategy #9: Weather Awareness and Water Conditions
Weather conditions dramatically affect water safety. Being weather-aware means checking forecasts before water activities and monitoring conditions continuously while at the water.
Weather Hazards to Monitor
Lightning and Thunderstorms
Exit water immediately when you hear thunder or see lightning. Water conducts electricity—being in water during lightning is extremely dangerous. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning to water.
High Winds
Strong winds create waves, reduce visibility, make swimming difficult, and can push swimmers off course or away from shore. Winds also rapidly capsize small boats and blow away flotation devices.
Flash Floods
Heavy rainfall, even miles away, can cause sudden water level rises and dangerous currents in rivers and streams. Never enter flowing water during or after heavy rain.
Cold Water
Water below 70°F (21°C) increases drowning risk through cold water shock and rapid heat loss. Cold water dramatically reduces swimming ability and can cause cardiac arrest.
Prevention Strategy #10: The Buddy System
The buddy system is a simple yet powerful safety strategy: never swim alone—always swim with at least one other person. Buddies watch each other, provide assistance if needed, and can call for help in emergencies.
How the Buddy System Works
  • Partners stay within sight of each other at all times
  • Buddies should have similar swimming abilities
  • Before entering water, partners agree to watch each other
  • Regular buddy checks—partners confirm visual contact
  • If one buddy exits water, both exit together
  • Buddies know each other's limitations and respect them
The buddy system is essential in all water environments: pools, beaches, lakes, rivers, and while boating. It's particularly crucial for children—teach them they must swim with a buddy, never wander off alone, and tell their buddy if they're leaving the water. Adult supervision remains necessary; the buddy system is an additional safety layer, not a replacement for supervision.
Beach Safety: Understanding Rip Currents
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow away from shore. They're the leading hazard at beaches, causing approximately 80% of beach rescues. Rip currents can pull even strong swimmers away from shore at speeds of 1-2 meters per second—faster than Olympic swimmers.
How to Identify a Rip Current
  • Channel of churning, choppy water
  • Noticeable difference in water color (often darker due to deeper water)
  • Line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward
  • Break in the incoming wave pattern
If Caught in a Rip Current
  1. Don't panic and don't fight the current. You cannot swim directly against it.
  1. Swim parallel to shore (along the beach) until you escape the current's pull.
  1. Once free, swim diagonally toward shore, at an angle away from the rip current.
  1. If you cannot escape, float or tread water. Rip currents dissipate offshore; conserve energy and signal for help.
  1. Never attempt to rescue someone in a rip current by swimming to them. Call for lifeguard help or throw a flotation device.
https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/ocean/rip-currents
Beach Safety: Inshore Holes, Flags, and Warning Systems
Inshore Holes and Sandbars
Inshore holes are depressions in the ocean floor near shore where water depth suddenly increases. Swimmers can unexpectedly find themselves in water over their heads. Sandbars create false security—swimmers walk on sandbars in shallow water, then step into deep holes. Always enter water gradually, testing depth with each step.
Beach Flag Warning System
Green: Low hazard, calm conditions.
Yellow: Medium hazard, moderate surf and currents, caution advised.
Red: High hazard, dangerous conditions, strong currents.
Purple: Marine pests (jellyfish, stingrays).
Black (or double red): Water closed to public. Do not enter.
Additional Warning Signs
Pay attention to posted signs about specific hazards: sharp rocks, drop-offs, submerged objects, restricted areas, wildlife warnings, and beach closure notices. Warning signs exist because someone was injured or killed by that hazard. Take them seriously.
Beach Safety: The 10-20 Rule and Safe Bathing Areas
The 10-20 Rule
This critical supervision rule helps prevent child drowning at beaches and pools:
10 seconds: The time it takes for a child to go under water and become unable to call for help
20 seconds: The maximum time a supervising adult's attention should be diverted from watching children in or near water
This means: glance at your phone for 5 seconds maximum, have brief conversations while maintaining visual contact, and never become so absorbed in an activity that you lose awareness of children's location and status.
Choose Safe Bathing Areas
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas marked by buoys or signs
  • Swim at beaches with lifeguard services whenever possible
  • Avoid swimming near piers, jetties, and structures where currents and waves intensify
  • Don't swim near fishing areas or boat channels
  • Stay away from areas with rocks, reefs, or strong wave action
  • Never dive into water of unknown depth or condition
In India, where many beaches lack lifeguard services and safety infrastructure, extra caution is essential. Swim during daylight hours only, inform others of your plans, and research beach conditions before visiting. If a beach has a history of drowning incidents or lacks safety infrastructure, consider choosing a different location.
Following Lifeguard Instructions and Water Park Safety
Lifeguard Authority
Lifeguards are trained professionals whose sole responsibility is swimmer safety. Always follow their instructions immediately. If a lifeguard tells you to exit water, move to a different area, or stop a behavior, comply without argument. They see hazards you might not recognize.
If you need assistance, raise one arm overhead and wave—the universal signal for distress. Stay calm and wait for the lifeguard to reach you.
Water Park Safety Rules
Water parks combine fun with unique hazards. Follow ALL posted rules for each attraction:
  • Height, weight, and age restrictions exist for safety reasons
  • Proper riding positions prevent injuries (feet first, lying back, etc.)
  • Wait for the "go" signal before entering slides
  • Never stop in slides or landing pools—move away immediately
  • Supervise children constantly; don't assume lifeguards substitute for parental supervision
  • Appropriate swimwear is required; some clothing poses safety risks
Water Sports Safety: Additional Considerations
Specific water sports require additional safety measures beyond general water safety rules. Each sport has unique hazards that participants must understand and prepare for.
Surfing
Use a leash to keep the board attached. Understand wave patterns and rip currents. Never surf alone. Know how to turtle roll or duck dive. Respect other surfers and right-of-way rules. Wear appropriate wetsuit for water temperature.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Always wear a PFD. Learn proper paddling techniques and rescue procedures. Understand river classifications and choose appropriate difficulty levels. Carry safety equipment including whistle, rope, and first aid kit. Never paddle above your skill level.
Jet Skiing and Personal Watercraft
Complete required training and licensing. Wear life jacket and appropriate protective gear. Maintain safe speeds and distances from swimmers, boats, and shore. Understand local regulations. Never operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Obtain proper certification before scuba diving. Never dive or snorkel alone. Plan dives carefully with depth and time limits. Ascend slowly to avoid decompression sickness. Use dive flag to alert boats. Check all equipment before entering water.
Creating a Community Water Safety Culture
Preventing drowning requires more than individual action—it requires community commitment to water safety as a shared value and priority. Communities in both the United States and India can implement comprehensive drowning prevention programs.
Community-Level Interventions
  • Free or low-cost swimming lessons for all children, especially in underserved communities
  • Public awareness campaigns about drowning risks and prevention
  • Installation of barriers around public water bodies and wells
  • Training community members in CPR and water rescue
  • Lifeguard services at public beaches and pools
  • Regulation and enforcement of water safety standards
  • Integration of water safety into school curricula
  • Maintenance of swimming facilities and beaches

Feel Safe Education and Sports Foundation
We are committed to reducing drowning deaths through comprehensive education, community outreach, and advocacy for water safety infrastructure and policies. Together, we can create communities where water is enjoyed safely and every life is valued.
In India, particular focus should be placed on rural areas where drowning rates are highest. Mobile swimming instruction programs, well-covering initiatives, and integration of water safety into existing community health programs can save thousands of lives annually.
Learning CPR Is a Major Subject in Preventing Drowning Deaths
Drowning is a medical emergency where the body is deprived of oxygen. In many cases, victims are rescued from water unconscious and not breathing, and their survival depends on immediate action within the first few minutes.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is the most critical lifesaving skill because:
  • CPR restores oxygen flow to the brain and vital organs when breathing or heartbeat stops.
  • Brain damage can begin within 4–6 minutes without oxygen; CPR helps keep the brain alive until advanced medical care arrives.
  • Many drowning deaths occur after rescue, due to delayed or incorrect first aid.
  • CPR can be performed by trained bystanders, not only medical professionals.
  • Early CPR significantly increases survival and recovery chances in drowning victims.
  • It prevents panic and harmful practices such as pressing the stomach or hanging the victim upside down, which can cause internal injuries.
Teaching CPR at school level, to parents, teachers, lifeguards, pool staff, boat operators, and community members, ensures faster response during water emergencies.
Learning CPR does not require expensive equipment, but it saves priceless lives.
Making CPR education mandatory is a powerful step toward reducing preventable drowning deaths.
Taking Action: Your Role in Drowning Prevention
300K
Annual Drowning Deaths Worldwide
Most are preventable with education and safety measures
88%
Risk Reduction with Swimming Lessons
For children aged 1-4 years who receive formal instruction
83%
Fewer Drownings with Pool Barriers
Four-sided fencing dramatically reduces child drowning risk
Every Person Can Make a Difference
Drowning is preventable. Whether you're a parent, educator, community leader, or concerned citizen, you have the power to save lives through action and awareness.
Commit today to:
  • Learn CPR and water rescue techniques
  • Ensure children in your life receive swimming lessons
  • Practice constant, active supervision around water
  • Install proper barriers around pools and water features
  • Share water safety information with your community
  • Advocate for water safety infrastructure and education programs
  • Lead by example—follow all water safety rules yourself
Feel Safe Education and Sports Foundation is here to support your water safety journey. Contact us for resources, training, and partnership opportunities. Together, we can ensure that everyone enjoys water safely.
Drowning Prevention & Water Safety Knowledge Assessment

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Drowning Prevention & Water Safety Knowledge Assessment

This assessment is designed to evaluate your understanding of drowning risks, water safety practices, and prevention strategies based on the educational material provided by Feel Safe Education and Sports Foundation. The quiz includes multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Minimum passing score: 80% Participants who successfully score 80% or above will receive a digital e-certificate from Feel Safe Education and Sports Foundation. Marks for all sections will be combined after reviewing your

This assessment is designed to evaluate your understanding of drowning risks, water safety practices, and prevention strategies based on the educational material provided by Feel Safe Education and Sports Foundation.
The quiz includes multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
Minimum passing score: 80%
Participants who successfully score 80% or above will receive a digital e-certificate from Feel Safe Education and Sports Foundation.
Marks for all sections will be combined after reviewing your complete answer sheet.
The final score will be calculated based on your overall performance.  
Please answer all questions carefully and honestly. This assessment aims to promote awareness, responsibility, and lifesaving knowledge.
Regards
Feel Safe Education and Sports Foundation
Message from the Director Feel Safe Education and Sports Foundation
Mr. Koustav Bakshi
Drowning is a serious public health issue and a completely preventable cause of death. Every year, nearly 300,000 people lose their lives to drowning worldwide, with 92% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Children are the most affected—especially those under five years of age.
India is facing a major drowning crisis. Approximately 38,000 people die every year due to drowning, accounting for 9.1% of all accidental deaths. Most victims are children aged 5–14 years, particularly in rural areas. Poor water safety practices, lack of awareness, and easy access to unsafe water bodies are major contributing factors. The real numbers are likely even higher due to significant underreporting.
Despite the scale of this problem, life-saving skills and drowning prevention education are still not part of the Indian school curriculum. Why can’t children learn essential survival and safety skills from an early age?
A few NGOs like ours continuously strive to conduct drowning prevention activities in communities, schools, swimming pools, clubs, housing societies, and public spaces. However, limited funding remains a major challenge, restricting our ability to reach more people.
Another serious concern is that many swimming pool owners and water facility operators hire unqualified lifeguards to cut costs, putting lives at risk. This raises critical questions:
  • Who will audit water safety standards?
  • Who will ensure qualified lifesavers are present?
  • Who will protect lives in water parks, pools, lakes, rivers, and ferry routes, where daily water transport is unavoidable?
Another critical issue observed after rescuing drowning victims is the lack of correct first-aid knowledge. Many people immediately start pressing the stomach to remove water, which is a dangerous myth and can cause serious internal organ damage. This practice should never be done.
If a rescued person is unconscious but breathing, proper airway management and choking response techniques should be followed while ensuring continuous oxygen flow.
If the victim is unconscious and not breathing, CPR must be started immediately. Early and correct cardiopulmonary resuscitation can significantly increase the chances of survival and revival until professional medical help arrives.
This highlights the urgent need for formal training in drowning rescue, first aid, and CPR, so that bystanders can act correctly and save lives rather than cause further harm.
Bystander training is one of the most important lifesaving tools. Training common people and all management staff at respective locations empowers them to respond correctly during emergencies, provide immediate care, and save lives before professional help arrives.
Through awareness, education, and community engagement, we are working to spread life-saving knowledge and build a safer future around all water bodies.
Join us in our mission to prevent drowning and save lives. For communication and collaboration, please contact: 📧 [email protected]
Together, prevention is possible.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information and data used in this study material are based on our online research, ground-level observations, and inputs collected from various individuals and organizations.
Some reference data and materials are attached to support learning and awareness.
This educational content is shared solely for the purpose of creating awareness on drowning prevention and spreading lifesaving knowledge within the community.
It is not a commercial or profit-oriented activity.
This educational material is provided free of access for public awareness, learning, and community safety initiatives.
Regards
Feel Safe Education and Sports Foundation
Global Reports and Study Materials for More Information

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Global status report on Drowning Prevention 2024.pdf

9.4 MB

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Swimming Pool Safety Rules and Regulations.pdf

9.7 MB

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WCDP-ABSTRACT-BOOK-2025.pdf

2.8 MB

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global-strategy-for-drowning-prevention 2025.pdf

1.9 MB

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