more-in With the incessant rain, waterbodies across Ernakulam have been filled to the brim, but there has also been an alarming increase in the number of tragedies. Statistics available with the Fire and Rescue Services Department reveal a spike in drowning deaths, with the numbers beginning to increase in June and continuing to rise through July. The Department reported 20 drowning cases during the one month beginning from June 16 while the total deaths since the start of the rainy season stands at 34. During the period, the department responded to 727 rain-related calls, in addition to 68 fire calls. As many as 432 trees, which caused traffic disruptions, were cut down at various locations. Periyar tragedies Senior Fire Department officials attributed the rising deaths to the tendency among people to underestimate risks while venturing into a waterbody. To back the argument, they pointed to the instance in which three lives were lost in the Periyar near the Purappillykavu regulator-cum-bridge in a span of just five days. “In the first case, two teenagers who had ventured into the river were trapped in the current and drowned. The second case was reported only a few days later when some people ventured into the river at the very same location, ignoring warnings raised by locals, leading to one death,” said District Fire Officer Joji A.S. According to him, local bodies should plan, enforce and implement drowning prevention measures. “In case of road deaths, we have a few agencies such as the Motor Vehicles Department and the police to enforce laws, but when it comes to drowning cases, we have none. What we have are different local bodies, which should oversee the identification of potential hazards and installation of barriers and signboards,” he said. The potential hazards, according to rescue officials, include sudden drop-offs into deep water, unexpectedly cold water temperatures, underwater obstacles, and unstable surfaces. A key point is to avoid consuming alcohol before swimming or any water-based activity as it increases the chances of drowning. Swimming training In view of the rising number of drowning cases, the Department recently issued a direction to all section offices in Ernakulam to immediately resume the 24-day swimming training for schoolchildren. The programme, initiated a few years ago, had come to an abrupt halt, due to lack of waterbodies to conduct training. The Department has completed providing scuba diving training for 100 officers attached to various sections across the district.

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