Drowning is Preventable: A Call to Action on the occasion of World Drowning Prevention Day 2025

Every year in Nepal, 1,600 lives are lost from drowning, however, these deaths are preventable. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most victims are children and young adults, making it not just a health crisis but a deeply personal and national loss.

Drowning incidents are common in  rural communities, and children are largely affected. Children are drowning while playing in rivers, in roadside pits filled with rainwater, or even in stored water or pits at or around the home. These are not isolated incidents, but are signs of a growing, yet largely neglected problem that is affecting all.

This year World Drowning Prevention Day was commemorated by the NIRI Unit for Prevention and Life-Saving Activities (NPLSA), as it does every year since 2023. This year, four different activities (programs) were conducted in collaboration with Bagmati Welfare Society Nepal  (BWSN) and Rotary Club of Balaju.  

On 21st July, 2025, the discussion program with local level stakeholders on “Preparation of the local level drowning prevention guidelines” was held in Hariwan Municipality(Sarlahi) in the presence of the Mayor.  NPLSA is providing the technical support in the guideline preparation. 

On the occasion of World Drowning Prevention Day (WDPD) on 25th July 2025, a drowning story-sharing program was organized at the NIRI office in Jwagal, Lalitpur. 

An interactive session with the youth where participants shared real-life stories of drowning incidents. These emotional accounts highlighted how a single drowning death can shatter an entire family and how easily many of these tragedies could have been avoided through basic swimming skills or awareness of water safety. The session ended with a shared commitment to the belief that “Drowning is Preventable.”

Similarly, a street drama was performed in Sarlahi, highlighting the drowning risk and possible preventive measures in the communities. The street drama was performed by school children with support and facilitation from BWSN and NPLSA.

On the second day, July 26, a collaborative program was organized in Hattiban, Lalitpur, in partnership with NPLSA and the Rotary Club. The primary objective of the event was to discuss the current drowning situation in Nepal and explore the role of the social organization “Rotary” in drowning prevention efforts. During the program, Dr. Bhagabati Sedain gave a presentation highlighting drowning risks, vulnerable populations, potential preventive measures, and how the Rotary can play an important role in supporting drowning prevention initiatives. In the program, the President of the Rotary Club Balaju, Rtn. Shova Kumari Poudel put her commitment to drowning prevention through collaboration with NPLSA. Further, most of the rotarians expressed their interest to contribute in the drowning prevention initiatives. Dr. Bhagbati Sedhain—Rotary Club Balaju member and founding member of NPLSA—took the initiative to raise awareness about Nepal’s drowning crisis.

Let us all remember: Drowning is preventable. And prevention starts with you.