Kochi: The fire and rescue services department has identified 68 high-risk zones under 17 fire stations in Ernakulam where chances of drowning are high. Most of these zones are in rural areas, including ghats along rivers used for bathing, quarry ponds, tourist locations, regular ponds, and beaches.
Identified Danger Zones
Paniyeli Poru, Okkal Thuruthu, and Chelamattom are danger zones in Perumbavoor. The Koothattukulam fire station has reported six dangerous quarry ponds under its limits. In the city limits, the Mattancherry fire unit has identified Thirumala temple pond, Fort Kochi South Beach, Kochi fisheries harbour, and Chellanam Kannamaly beach as danger zones. The assessment was based on the history of drowning incidents.
Rising Incidents and Seasonal Trends
With mercury rising and students on vacation, repeated drowning incidents are being reported in the district, with a five-year-old boy being the latest victim. A week ago, two teens and a girl drowned in Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam, respectively. Fire officials say that April and May record the highest drowning deaths, with victims mostly being children and youngsters. Ernakulam has been consistently reporting an average of 100 drowning deaths a year. The district reported 317 fatalities between 2023 and 2025.
Expert Warnings on Dangerous Waters
Retired senior fire and rescue officer M V Stephan, who worked in the district for long, said that knowing swimming may not be enough in dangerous waters like Paniyeli Poru. "There is always a risk when entering unfamiliar waters. For instance, to a first visitor, Paniyeli will appear like a shallow area and perfect for a swim. But there are deep trenches underneath it. The pits are in the rock and are shaped like urns and are called bharanikuzhi (urn pits) by residents. Once you fall, you are very likely to hit your head or legs on the rock, making it impossible to come out alive. Once you sustain an injury under the kneecaps or on the head, then you won't be able to move," said Stephan.
The official added even expert swimmers should keep their physical limitations in mind. "I remember an expert swimmer who crossed the river in Manjummel keeping his daughter on his back. He managed to do it easily. Later he tried to swim alone, but sustained a muscle cramp and drowned," said Stephan.
Call for Compulsory Swimming Education
Stephan added that developing a culture of teaching swimming was essential. "Knowing swimming can be handy and even save your life on several occasions. With deaths occurring everywhere, a policy decision has to be taken to teach children swimming compulsorily at the school level. We are a coastal state and have numerous water bodies; swimming is not something we can afford not to learn," he added.
Police Warning and Precautions
Ernakulam Rural Police have issued a warning through their social media page. "Policing all possible locations where drowning can happen is not practical. It is summer vacation and people should stay cautious, especially in unfamiliar waters while venturing into waters," said district police chief K S Sudarshan.
