Drowning leading cause for deaths in SL; Take precautions during long weekend

COLOMBO (News 1st); Almost a dozen lives were lost in January 2022 due to drowning.

According to local authorities, most drownings incidents are due to a lack of awareness of the currents and negligence.

The drowning rate for Sri Lanka averaged over three years from 2016-2018 was 3.5 deaths per 100,000 people.

The public should be careful when bathing at water sources and engaging in leisure activities, Police stated following recent drowning incidents.

The Director of the Police Naval Division SSP Priyankara de Silva stated that about a dozen people die every year due to drowning.

Speaking further, he said that Police lifeguards rescued 33 people who drowned last year, however, more than 20 people have drowned in 2022 so far. 

SSP Priyankara de Silva cautioned the public to have an understanding of the dangers of bathing in rivers and lakes, as well as in the sea before engaging in leisure activities.

Drowning accidents in Sri Lanka are increasingly more frequent during weekends.

PLEASE! Be cautious and AVOID UNNECESSARY RISKS in water.