Drowning is the third highest cause of accidental deaths in India, as per the Accidents Deaths and Suicides Report in India, 2022. The first objective of the study is to determine the extent and context of drowning in Maharashtra between 2019 and 2023. The second objective is to analyse and evaluate the existing policies and regulations related to drowning prevention and management both at the national level as well as the state level in Maharashtra.

Some of the results found in the different source are: Males are more frequently involved in drowning incidents than females, attributed to higher risk exposure and risk-taking behaviour. Drowning rates vary by age, with studies reporting the highest incidents among individuals aged 11-30. Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable, often drowning in small water containers. Rivers, streams, and canals are the most common sites of drowning, followed by ponds and lakes. Water control units like dams see more drownings during the pre-monsoon season due to increased recreational activities. Drowning incidents peak during the summer and monsoon seasons, necessitating targeted prevention efforts during these periods.

Government reports aid in estimating drownings; however, there is a need for more detailed data collection at nodal agencies such as police stations, hospitals, and panchayats, and for better data collation, as data is collected by various departments. Peer-reviewed literature examined for this study only considered fatal drownings that were brought for autopsy at hospitals. Studies could expand their scope to include both fatal and non-fatal drownings reported to other departments. Additionally, more detailed information about the victim's background, such as religion, income, occupation and caste, could help identify vulnerable locations. While news articles provide a broad context of drowning incidents, they may have limitations, often covering only well-known locations. However, they do offer detailed information on the factors that increased the risk of drowning and caused drowning. Streamlining this information would require collaboration between news channels and newspapers but would aid in a better understanding of the actual causes of drownings.

Central and Maharashtra-level policies on drowning prevention, water, disaster management, and health address were analysed for the second objective. The Water Policies sees water as a resource to be managed equitably. Disaster Management plans primarily focus on preparedness and response to disasters, while prevention aspects are largely overlooked. The Strategic Framework for Drowning Prevention in India (2023) identifies key risk factors and outlines various prevention programs but faces challenges like inadequate funding, lack of comprehensive data, and insufficient enforcement.

To improve drowning prevention, this study recommends enhancing data collection protocols, training officials on non-fatal drownings, implementing mandatory swimming classes in schools, sustaining public awareness campaigns, and strengthening regulatory enforcement. Targeted interventions and comprehensive strategies are essential to reducing drowning incidents and improving public safety in Maharashtra and across India.