68 high-risk drowning areas identified in Ernakulam, swimming skills not sufficient

The Fire and Rescue Services Department in Ernakulam has identified 68 high-risk drowning zones across 17 fire stations in the area, where the threat of drowning is severe. These drowning danger zones are mostly situated in rural areas and include various locations such as ghats along rivers, quarry ponds, tourist spots, ponds, and beaches.

Paniyeli Poru, Okkal Thuruthu, and Chelamattom are particularly hazardous areas in Perumbavoor, while the Koothattukulam fire station has flagged six dangerous quarry ponds within its jurisdiction. Urban locations like Thirumala temple pond, Fort Kochi South Beach, Kochi fisheries harbor, and Chellanam Kannamaly beach are also identified as high-risk zones by the Mattancherry fire unit. These assessments were based on past drowning incidents that have occurred in these areas.

With the soaring temperatures and school vacations in progress, there has been a surge in drowning incidents, with young children and teenagers being the primary victims. Ernakulam has been witnessing an annual average of 100 drowning deaths, with 317 fatalities reported between 2023 and 2025. The months of April and May record the highest number of drowning incidents, emphasizing the need for caution during this period.

M V Stephan, a retired senior fire and rescue officer, highlighted the importance of understanding that merely knowing how to swim might not be sufficient in dangerous waters like Paniyeli Poru. He explained that unsuspecting visitors might view the area as safe due to its seemingly shallow appearance, but actually, there are deep trenches with rock formations that can be fatal in case of an accident. Stephan shared examples of incidents where even seasoned swimmers faced tragic outcomes due to unforeseen circumstances, such as muscle cramps or injuries.

Stephan stressed the significance of promoting a swimming culture as a safety measure, suggesting that it should be made compulsory for children to learn swimming at the school level. He underscored the necessity of this skill in a state like Kerala, abundant with water bodies and a coastal environment. Ernakulam Rural Police have issued warnings through social media platforms, urging the public to exercise caution, especially during the summer season when the risk of drowning is heightened.

In conclusion, the presence of multiple drowning danger zones in Ernakulam underscores the importance of being vigilant and cautious, irrespective of one’s swimming abilities. While knowing how to swim is valuable, it may not offer full protection in perilous waters, necessitating a proactive approach towards water safety, including mandatory swimming lessons for children and heightened awareness among the public when engaging in water-related activities.