On July 25, 2024, NIRI Unit for Prevention and Life-Saving Activities (NPLSA) marked World Drowning Prevention Day by organising an event at Shivapuri Secondary School, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. The program saw enthusiastic participation from various school clubs, including the Children’s Club and Environmental Club, high school students, teachers, the principal and social workers.

The event was marked by heartfelt reflections and educational initiatives. The lived experiences were bravely shared by Ms. Ratna Kumari Shrestha, a Social Activist, and Ms. Rozu Khadka, a Student, at Padmakanya Campus who recounted their personal experiences of losing loved ones to drowning. These stories underscored the devastating impact of drowning and the urgent need for preventative measures in Nepal.

Drowning is the leading cause of deaths for the children aged 1-4 years followed by those aged 5-9 years. Even if someone doesn’t die from drowning, they may be suffering brain damage that leads to problems with learning, memory, and even basic life skills. According to a WHO South East Asia report, drowning mortality rates in the Region are much higher than the global average, for both men and women and in every age group. According to the Regional Drowning Status Report (2022), the South East Asia countries lost 70,034 people from drowning in the year 2019. Nepal has the third highest age standardized death rate due to drowning (5.4 per 100,000) which is equivalent to nearly 1,600 fatal drowning in that year. In Nepal, over half of all drowning deaths occur among the population aged less than 20 years. Almost 80% of all drowning occur in rivers and 18% is combined for ponds, canals and water-ditches.

A highlight of the program was the launch of the Nepali version of the book Blue Dragon Emerging from the Water by Garry Seghers DSTA, originally from VSLC, Vietnam. The book, now titled “निलो डल्फिन पानीबाट निस्कन्छ” in Nepali by Suraj Parajuli, contains three short stories aimed at teaching water safety to children in Nepal. This resource is expected to play a crucial role in educating young people about the risks associated with water and the importance of safety practices.

Dr. Puspa Raj Pant and Ms. Bhagabati Sedain, injury prevention experts at NPLSA provided technical support in designing and organising the event. Ms. Sedain shared her insights and data on the status of drowning in Nepal. She highlighted the alarming statistics and emphasized the need for urgent action to reduce drowning incidents. Further, she outlined various preventive measures that could be implemented to protect communities, particularly children, from the risks of drowning. Students proactively participated in the Question and Answer sessions.

Mr. Suraj Parajuli, the administrative officer of NIRI Nepal and Focal Person of NPLSA further emphasised the urgency of addressing drowning prevention through multisectoral collaboration. He stressed that raising community awareness and engaging local authorities are essential steps in this mission. Mr. Parajuli expressed his appreciation for the commitment shown by the schools and student’s clubs towards drowning prevention efforts.

As the chair of the ceremony, Principal of Shivapuri Secondary School, Mr. Prakash Subedi expressed pride in hosting the first-ever school-level program dedicated to drowning prevention in Nepal. He affirmed the school’s commitment to continuing this important work in collaboration with other stakeholders, aiming to safeguard the lives of students and the wider community.

The event concluded with a somber remembrance of those who have lost their lives to drowning. The participant students collectively reflected on the lesson that anyone can drown, but no one should. The program served as a powerful reminder of the importance of water safety and the shared responsibility to prevent future tragedies.

The same day, the NPLSA team visited the Hon Minister for Health and Population. He listened about the situation of #Drowning in #Nepal. He greatly appreciated NPLSA’s effort on Policy Brief: An Advisory for Water Risk and Drowning Prevention, and a storybook for drowning prevention in Nepal.

NPLSA extends its heartfelt thanks to the teachers, members of the Environmental Club, and all students of Shivapuri Secondary School for their proactive participation and cooperation in making this event a success. The organization remains dedicated to advancing drowning prevention efforts across Nepal, fostering a safer environment for all. NPLSA believes that although it is a silent killer, our collective efforts will address this preventable cause of death.

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