The George Institute for Global Health researchers call for targeted child drowning solutions and urgent policy action for high-burden populations.
Researchers from The George Institute for Global Health India conducted a large-scale, community survey on drowning that found West Bengal faces a far worse drowning crisis than official data suggests. The survey, the largest of its kind ever conducted in India, covers all 23 districts of West Bengal, a population of 18 million people.
The survey, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, found that 9,191 people in West Bengal die from drowning each year - nearly triple the Global Burden of Disease estimates, exposing a massive gap in our understanding of this preventable public health emergency.
The researchers used a low-cost Community Knowledge Approach, engaging over 15,000 community members to report deaths in their neighbourhoods, which were subsequently validated through household surveys with victims' families.
As per the World Health Organization's Global status report on drowning prevention 2024, drowning continues to be a leading cause of death, with over 300,000 deaths annually worldwide.
"Although the global drowning death rate has declined 38% over the past two decades, low-and middle-income countries have been left behind. 92% of deaths still occur in these countries. We know what we need to do to protect people from drowning - we just need to start implementing these interventions in vulnerable populations.
By:Dr. B Mohammed Asheel
World Health Organization, India
The numbers are alarming
Over 45% of all deaths in West Bengal occurred in children aged 1-9 years old. This vulnerability peaks around the child's first birthday, when newly mobile toddlers aged 1-2 years old face a 30% higher risk of death compared to the general population because they are able to move, but lack perception of danger. The survey also showed that 86% of deaths were found in rural areas, where health system reach is often limited, and males were twice as likely to drown compared to females.
Globally, child drownings in rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities occur when families live in water-rich environments with limited support. In West Bengal, child drowning incidents mostly occurred within 50 meters of the home and peaked between 12:00 and 2:00 pm, when caregivers are most burdened with household chores and work. Drownings were also predominant during the monsoon season in July and August.
While it's estimated that approximately 18% of global drowning deaths occur in India, these figures are likely to be much higher, given the majority of cases go unreported. The survey found that only 18% of drowning deaths possessed a death certificate, and of these, only half indicated drowning as a cause.
"The true extent of drowning deaths in West Bengal - and likely across many parts of India-has remained largely invisible. As most deaths occur in children, families do not have legal or financial incentives to report deaths to authorities. Poor reach and utilisation of healthcare infrastructure also means deaths are missed by the system. This research uncovers the true, devastating burden plaguing rural regions of West Bengal.
By:Dr. Medhavi Gupta
The George Institute for Global Health
Inadequate post-incident response and care were also identified as barriers to surviving drowning events. Harmful and ineffective rescue efforts were common, including those that cause vomiting and employ spinning over the head. Only 10% of victims received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with rescue breaths, which is the best-practice response for a drowning victim. Furthermore, only 12% sought any medical assistance.
Key recommendations to prevent drowning deaths include:
- Protecting the most vulnerable: Install fencing around ponds and open water sources to safeguard toddlers aged 1-2 years, especially near homes. Gram Panchayats and Rural Development public works schemes can lead these community-driven safety measures to prevent unsupervised access to water bodies.
- Expanding supervised childcare where it's needed most: Increase access to child-creches/daycare for children aged 2-6 years in rural and underserved areas. These facilities can reduce drowning risk by up to 88% while supporting early childhood development. Existing programs like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and women's self-help groups provide ready platforms for expansion.
- Teaching children to save themselves: Integrate survival swim and water safety training into school curricula for children aged 6-10 years through the School Education Department or Gram Panchayat leadership. Using portable pools or local ponds, these programs have demonstrated up to an 88% reduction in drowning risk.
- Empowering communities as first responders: Strengthen local capacity in safe rescue and resuscitation, recognising that over 90% of drowning rescues are performed by family members or neighbours. Programs like the National Disaster Management Authority's First Aid training can equip communities with lifesaving skills.
"Every one of these deaths is preventable. We have the science; we have the solutions - what we need now is the courage to act. By integrating proven strategies across Health, Education, Women and Child Development, and Rural Development sectors, we can empower communities to protect the lives that matter most. The George Institute, alongside our partners and the communities we serve, is committed to turning this knowledge into action.
By:Dr. Jagnoor Jagnoor
Co-director of the WHO Injury Collaborating Center, The George Institute for Global Health
"Drowning remains a leading cause of preventable death in low-and-middle income communities around the world, especially in young children. Bloomberg Philanthropies, alongside our partners and local organisations, works to expand access to swimming and water safety skills, along with facilitating better data collection to understand when and how drownings occur. Turning this data into action is essential to reducing drowning risk and saving lives.
By:Dr. Kelly Henning
Lead, Public Health programs at Bloomberg Philanthropies
"Evidence shows we can prevent drowning, and when community strength meets government will, lives are saved. We are ready to scale what works and end drowning, for good.
By:Sujoy Roy
National Advocacy Officer, Child in Need Institute
The project was led by Dr. Jagnoor Jagnoor, along with Dr. Soumyadeep Bhaumik, Dr. Medhavi Gupta, Ms. Suman Das from The George Institute for Global Health, and co-authored by Mr. Sujoy Roy from Child in Need Institute, Daulatpur.
