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HBA marks World Drowning Prevention Day
In Short
According to the UN, drowning claims more than 300,000 lives annually, about 30 every hour, with nearly a quarter being children under five years of age
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New Delhi: Thousands of people signed a petition and submitted it to President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday to mark World Drowning Prevention Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in April 2021. This year’s theme is “Unite to turn the tide”.
According to the UN, drowning claims more than 300,000 lives annually, about 30 every hour, with nearly a quarter being children under five years of age. Globally, it is among the 10 leading causes of death for children aged between five and 14. More than 90 per cent of drowning deaths occur in rivers, lakes, wells, domestic water storage vessels and swimming pools, disproportionately affecting children and adolescents in rural areas.
The Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention has set a target to reduce drowning deaths by 35 per cent by 2035. However, the UN noted that the day often goes unnoticed, with limited awareness in schools and colleges.
In India, the Hemant Bala Advaitha Foundation (HBA) initiated the petition, urging safety measures at tourist sites, labelling of water zones and deployment of lifeguards. The petition requested the President to direct ministries and authorities to take adequate steps to prevent drowning.
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