Deaths by drowning top 1,200 yearly

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Over 1,200 deaths are recorded in Sri Lanka annually due to drowning in seas and inland waters, Sri Lanka Coastguard (SLCG) media spokesman Lt Commander Chandana Bulegoda Arachchi said.

The lack of awareness on safety matters and negligence are the main causes for these deaths, he said. Meanwhile, the SLCG held another awareness programme on ‘lifesaving and preventing drowning’ for schoolchildren of St Mary’s Convent, Matara recently.

SLCG carried out several training and awareness programmes on life saving, both at sea and in inland waters targetting schoolchildren under the guidance of SLCG Director General Ruwan Dias. The SLCG conducted a number of training programmes successfully and the awareness programmes included theory, demonstration and first aid sessions, Bulegoda Arachchi said. Coastguard trainers are experienced and qualified in life saving duties. The Coastguard base at Mirissa is fully equipped in carrying out training programmes for Coastguard personnel and public, he said.

The Coastguard base Rohana also functions as the training centre on life saving.