Life-saving program intensified after rise in drownings

The Sri Lanka Police has initiated a nationwide, large-scale life-saving program for 2026 in response to an "abnormal" increase in drowning deaths recorded since the beginning of the year.

Police Media Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler, during a press conference revealed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has directed the Police Marine Division to intensify surveillance and safety measures across the country’s coastal belts and inland water bodies.

To combat these fatalities, authorities have established 31 specialized life-saving teams across 48 territorial divisions, effectively covering the entire island. A total of 308 highly experienced officers—both men and women—have been deployed to 71 high-risk water safety units. These units are strategically positioned at beaches and reservoirs that have historically reported the highest frequencies of water-related accidents.

The urgency of the new directives follows sobering data from previous years. In 2024, the country lost 595 individuals to drowning, followed by 376 deaths in 2025. Despite successful rescue operations that saved 247 lives in 2025, the start of 2026 has already seen 24 tragic deaths within the first 41 days of the year. ASP Wootler said that while police divers saved 16 locals and 16 foreign tourists in the last two months, the goal is to prevent such emergencies through proactive public adherence to safety protocols.

The police have issued a strong advisory for the public to strictly follow warning signs and red flags posted at dangerous swimming locations. Parents and guardians are urged to maintain constant supervision of children, particularly during recreational trips and at swimming pools. ASP Wootler specifically cautioned against entering unfamiliar or isolated waters and warned that consuming alcohol or drugs before swimming remains a leading cause of preventable tragedies.