Ernakulam DDMA plans measures to stop pupil drowning incidents

In an effort to deal with incidents of pupil drownings within the district, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Ernakulam, is making ready a proposal to implement efficient drowning prevention measures.

With necessary swimming courses not being a viable choice because of the latest circumstances of amoebic meningoencephalitis, the main focus would as a substitute be on strengthening consciousness and training programmes to stop drowning-related fatalities, mentioned an official on the DDMA. 

Early this month, a 17-year-old drowned within the Periyar river. According to the Cheranalloor police, a gaggle of three college students reached the southern aspect of Chittoor ferry by night and two of the scholars within the group determined to make the leap. “They determined to race one another, following which considered one of them drowned within the river. The physique of the teenager was discovered later close to Kothad ferry, after two days of search,” the police official mentioned. As many as three such drowning cases involving children have occurred throughout the police station limits this yr. 

The DDMA official mentioned that the organisation together with the Fire division has been finishing up drowning consciousness programmes yearly in colleges which additionally entails giving coaching in first-aid therapy. “Despite these consciousness campaigns, the variety of drowning deaths retains growing. These incidents occur due to carelessness, incapability to evaluate the depth of the waterbody, and many others. We have been planning to introduce swimming courses however due to the latest circumstances of amoebic meningoencephalitis, this needed to be deserted. So we’re specializing in creating consciousness amongst college students,” mentioned a DDMA official. 

Some of the recommendations included within the proposal contain putting in correct warning signages in designated spots to stop drowning incidents, putting floating gadgets in these spots, creating movies and exhibiting them in colleges, and many others. 

“We are planning to focus not simply on college students and colleges however on adults as nicely. Often the drowning incidents happen amongst guests fairly than locals, as they is probably not conscious of the depth of those waterbodies. So correct signages shall be useful,” mentioned the official.