New Delhi, July 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Marking World Drowning Prevention Day, the Hemant Bala Advaitha Foundation (HBA) on Saturday submitted a petition signed by thousands of people to President Droupadi Murmu, urging stronger measures to prevent drowning deaths across the country.
Observed annually following a United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted in 2021, this year’s World Drowning Prevention Day carries the theme, “Unite to turn the tide.”
The petition calls for improved safety at tourist destinations, clear labelling of water bodies and danger zones, and the deployment of trained lifeguards at vulnerable locations. It also urges the President to direct the concerned ministries and authorities to implement comprehensive drowning prevention measures.
According to the United Nations, drowning claims more than 300,000 lives worldwide every year, with children accounting for a significant proportion of the victims. More than 90 per cent of drowning deaths occur in rivers, lakes, wells, domestic water storage containers and swimming pools, particularly affecting rural communities. The Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention aims to reduce drowning deaths by 35 per cent by 2035.
As part of its awareness campaign, the HBA organised an outreach programme at Vihswa Bharati Public School in Noida on Friday, where hundreds of students pledged to follow safety practices during adventure and water-related activities.
Former Arunachal Pradesh Governor and former Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Brigadier B.D. Mishra (Retd.), Major General K.K. Sinha (Retd.), and HBA representatives Sudesh Verma and Renu Kaul Verma addressed the event, highlighting the importance of public awareness and preventive measures.
The foundation was established after the drowning death of the Vermas’ son, Advaitha, at Pawna Lake near Lonavala in 2024. Since then, it has worked to promote awareness about drowning prevention and other avoidable accidents.
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