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.

• Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Thailand for a temporary stay
• Yuan Wang 5 will not enter Hambantota today (11), says Harbour Master; Vessel already in Sea of Sri Lanka
• Nihal Wedaarachchi arrested over 9th May violence
• Teenage boy dies after speeding car crashes with bicycle
• 35,000 MT of Petrol shipment due today (11)