The HBA formally launched its prevention of drowning campaign on the World Drowning Prevention Day observed annually on 25 July under a UN General Assembly resolution adopted in 2021. The HBA intends to use this as a flagship advocacy day for school programmes, media engagement, digital campaigns and volunteer mobilisation.

Drowning is a silent but preventable tragedy

Every year, families across the world lose their loved ones to drowning in lakes, rivers, dams, ponds, wells, swimming pools, beaches, and other water bodies. Many of these tragedies can be prevented through awareness, timely warnings, effective safeguards, responsible behaviour, trained responders, and stronger administrative action.

For the Hemant Bala Advaitha Foundation (HBA), drowning prevention is not merely an area of work. It is a deeply personal commitment. On 23 June 2024, Advaitha Verma lost his life in a drowning tragedy at Pawna Lake near Lonavala, Maharashtra. He was young, talented, full of promise, and deeply passionate about music. His loss transformed the Foundation’s sense of purpose.

HBA is committed to building a movement that helps families, young people, educational institutions, communities, tourism operators, and public authorities recognise risks before a tragedy occurs.

Every life saved will be a tribute to Advaitha.

The Greater Noida Incident

We got deeply pained about the Noida drowning incident of the young techie who kept shouting for help and flashing his mobile torchlight for hours but could not be saved. It is heart wrenching to imagine the incident. 

Twenty-seven-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta drowned in Greater Noida on 16 January 2026, after his SUV plunged into a deep, waterlogged construction pit during dense fog. He survived for nearly two hours atop his sinking car, screaming for help and calling his father, but tragically drowned before authorities could execute a rescue.

At midnight, Mehta was returning from work in Gurugram to his residence in Noida. Due to thick fog and lack of reflective barriers, his Grand Vitara broke through a damaged boundary wall and fell into a 20-to-30-foot-deep, water-filled basement pit in Sector 150. 

Mehta escaped the vehicle and climbed onto its roof. He called his father, Rajkumar Mehta, sharing his location and pleading, “Papa, save me. I don’t want to die.” Yuvraj’s father, Rajkumar Mehta, arrived at the scene quickly and could hear his son’s desperate cries, but the rescue efforts by local police and emergency personnel were severely delayed due to a lack of proper equipment, deep water, and poor visibility.

There were onlookers desperate to do something but he could not be saved. This is perhaps the most tragic death that happened in full view of public.

Could this have been prevented? Of course! But with a little imaginative approach. Where even members of the authority refused to delve into the waters, a young delivery boy bravely tied a rope around his waist and jumped into the freezing water. But he was unable to reach him in the dark. At least he made an honest attempt. 

Outrage! A few sackings and reprimands! Media outcry! And then the incident is conveniently forgotten. Imagine the family that will relive this incident till they are alive.

Rajendra Nagar Drowning Incident

On 27 July 2024, the nation woke up to the gruesome drowning incident of three IAS aspirants Tanya Soni, Shreya Yadav, and Nevin Delvin—after torrential rain flooded the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle. The basement, operating illegally as a library, filled with water in minutes, trapping students inside. The doors were locked biometrically. While 14 students were rescued, three drowned.

The entire nation was shocked and there was outrage all across the nation. This was gross negligence by those running the institute in the basement and also those who allowed the institute to operate from there. 

Why Drowning Prevention Matters

A day of recreation near a lake, river, beach, or dam can turn into a tragedy within minutes.

Drowning frequently occurs without adequate warning. A person in distress may be unable to shout, wave, or attract attention. In many cases, those nearby may not recognise the danger until it is too late.

The risk increases when:

• Visitors enter unfamiliar water bodies
• Strong currents, sudden depth changes, or slippery surfaces are not clearly marked
• Warning signs are missing, unclear, or ignored
• People enter the water after consuming alcohol
• Life jackets and rescue equipment are unavailable
• Children are left unsupervised near water
• Untrained people attempt unsafe rescues
• Lifeguards, patrol teams, or emergency-response systems are absent
• Tourist locations become overcrowded
• Weather conditions change unexpectedly
• Authorities do not maintain accurate records of accidents and near-miss incidents

Drowning prevention requires a shift in mindset. We must stop viewing every drowning death as an unavoidable accident. Many tragedies can be prevented through practical and affordable measures.

A warning sign can save a life.

A life jacket can save a life.

A trained responder can save a life.

A timely decision can save a life.

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Who Is Most at Risk?

Anyone can drown. However, some groups require greater protection.

Children

Young children can drown quickly and silently, even in shallow water. They must never be left unattended near ponds, pools, wells, tanks, rivers, or other water bodies.

Teenagers and Young Adults

Young people may underestimate the dangers of unfamiliar water bodies. Peer pressure, overconfidence, risky photographs, sudden currents, and inadequate local warnings can increase vulnerability.

HBA places special emphasis on engaging young people because awareness at the right age can prevent impulsive and unsafe decisions.

Tourists and Visitors

People visiting lakes, dams, rivers, waterfalls, beaches, and picnic destinations may not understand local risks. They need visible warning boards, barriers, trained guides, safety equipment, and clear restrictions.

People Travelling by Boat

Passengers on boats, ferries, and recreational vessels face greater risk when life jackets are unavailable, overcrowding is permitted, or safety rules are not enforced.

Communities Living Near Water Bodies

Children and adults living close to rivers, ponds, canals, wells, and flood-prone areas may face frequent exposure to water hazards.

People Affected by Floods and Extreme Weather

Heavy rainfall, flash floods, overflowing drains, damaged roads, and rapidly changing water levels can create unexpected risks.

Water-Safety Awareness

HBA seeks to make water safety a part of everyday public awareness.

The Foundation’s awareness initiatives focus on a simple message:

Respect Water. Recognise Risk. Return Home Safely.

Water-safety awareness should begin before a person reaches a lake, river, dam, or beach. Visitors must know how to identify danger, respond responsibly, and avoid putting themselves or others at risk.

HBA Awareness Priorities

• Promoting responsible behaviour near water bodies
• Encouraging the use of life jackets during boating and water-based activities
• Advocating visible warning signs in Hindi, English, and local languages
• Promoting barriers and access restrictions at dangerous locations
• Discouraging risky selfies, stunts, and entry into restricted zones
• Encouraging parents to supervise children continuously
• Teaching people how to alert emergency responders quickly
• Promoting safe rescue practices
• Encouraging communities to report unsafe sites
• Using social media to circulate short and shareable safety messages

Safety Guidelines for Children and Families

Before Visiting a Water Body

• Check whether the location is officially open to visitors.
• Read local warnings and follow instructions issued by the administration.
• Avoid visiting isolated or unmonitored water bodies.
• Check weather conditions before travelling.
• Identify the nearest safe exit route and emergency contact point.
• Carry drinking water, a charged mobile phone, and essential first-aid supplies.
• Ensure that children understand the rules before reaching the site.

Near Lakes, Rivers, Dams, and Waterfalls

• Never enter the water merely because it appears calm.
• Do not cross barriers or enter restricted areas.
• Stay away from steep, slippery, or unstable edges.
• Do not climb rocks near waterfalls or fast-flowing water.
• Do not attempt risky photographs or videos near the edge.
• Avoid swimming in unfamiliar water bodies.
• Never encourage a friend to enter the water as a dare.
• Leave the site immediately if the weather changes or the water level rises.

For Children

• A responsible adult must supervise children continuously.
• Children must not play near open wells, tanks, canals, ponds, pools, or drains without adult supervision.
• Swimming lessons should be conducted only in safe, supervised environments.
• Inflatable toys are not substitutes for approved life jackets.
• Older children should be taught to alert an adult immediately when someone is in danger.

During Boating or Water-Based Activities

• Wear a properly fitted life jacket.
• Do not board overcrowded boats.
• Confirm that the operator has basic safety equipment.
• Follow the instructions of trained personnel.
• Avoid alcohol before or during boating and swimming activities.
• Do not stand, lean over the side, or engage in unsafe movement while boating.

If Someone Is in Distress

• Raise an alarm immediately.
• Call the emergency services by dialling 112.
• Alert trained lifeguards, local responders, police personnel, or nearby authorities.
• Do not enter the water impulsively unless you are trained and it is safe to do so.
• Use a safer rescue method whenever possible: reach with a pole, throw a flotation device, or seek trained assistance.
• After rescue, obtain medical attention promptly.

Remember: An untrained rescue attempt can place two lives at risk.

School and Community Workshops

Awareness must begin early.

HBA seeks to work with schools, colleges, resident welfare associations, youth groups, community organisations, and local institutions to make water safety a part of public education.

Workshop Modules

We have developed workshop modules to raise awareness on the issue

1. Water Safety for Children – A simple and age-appropriate session on identifying hazards, following instructions, and seeking adult help.
2. Safety at Tourist Destinations – A practical session for teenagers and young adults on responsible behaviour at lakes, dams, waterfalls, rivers, and beaches.
3. Recognising an Emergency – An introductory session on identifying distress, raising an alarm, contacting responders, and avoiding unsafe rescue attempts.
4. Safety During Monsoons and Floods – A seasonal-awareness module on overflowing drains, flooded roads, open manholes, riverbanks, and flash floods.
5. Water-Safety Ambassadors – A youth-volunteer programme that enables students to spread verified safety messages within their communities.
6. Community Dialogues – Local meetings involving parents, educators, residents, tourism stakeholders, and public authorities to identify unsafe sites and recommend practical safeguards.

Invite HBA to Your Institution

Schools, colleges, community organisations, and resident associations may invite HBA to conduct an awareness session.

Training and Preparedness

Awareness is the first step. Preparedness saves lives.

HBA seeks to collaborate with trained rescue professionals, medical experts, swimming instructors, disaster-management specialists, and responsible institutions to promote structured water-safety training.

Proposed Areas of Training

• Basic water-safety orientation
• Risk identification at lakes, rivers, dams, beaches, and swimming pools
• Safe use of life jackets and flotation devices
• Responsible boating practices
• Safe rescue awareness for bystanders
• First-response orientation
• Emergency communication and coordination
• Community preparedness during floods and monsoons
• Safety audits of vulnerable water bodies
• Training-of-trainers programmes for volunteers

All technical training must be conducted by qualified professionals in controlled environments. HBA’s role is to facilitate awareness, partnerships, and access to appropriate expertise.

Campaigns and Public Outreach

HBA is building a citizen-led movement for drowning prevention.

Awareness Through Social Media

Digital platforms allow life-saving messages to reach young people quickly. HBA uses social media to share:

• Short safety videos
• Posters and infographics
• Verified water-safety tips
• Monsoon-safety reminders
• Messages for parents and schools
• Volunteer appeals
• Campaign updates
• Stories of responsible action
• Calls for stronger safeguards at vulnerable sites

Youth Engagement Through Music

Music was Advaitha’s passion. To honour his memory and involve young people meaningfully, HBA launched “Advaitha: A Symphony” as a musical tribute and youth-engagement platform.

The first edition was held successfully in 2025. Young singers from across the National Capital Region participated in the initiative, culminating in a grand finale on 6 September 2025 at Azad Bhawan, ITO, New Delhi.

The initiative demonstrated that awareness need not remain confined to lectures or pamphlets. Music can bring young people together, create conversations, and inspire them to support a life-saving cause.

Media Outreach

Members of the media have played an important role in highlighting the need for drowning prevention. Responsible reporting can help communities understand local risks, encourage authorities to act, and ensure that preventable tragedies are not forgotten after the headlines fade.

Community Mobilisation

HBA welcomes volunteers who can organise awareness drives, distribute safety material, conduct local outreach, identify vulnerable sites, and connect the Foundation with schools, colleges, and community organisations.

Our Focus on Pawna Lake

Pawna Lake near Lonavala holds profound personal significance for HBA. It is where Advaitha lost his life.

The tragedy reinforced the urgent need for stronger safety systems at popular tourist destinations. Lakes, dams, rivers, and waterfalls attract large numbers of visitors, particularly during weekends and the monsoon season. Their beauty must not conceal their dangers.

HBA advocates practical safeguards at vulnerable water bodies, including:

• Clearly visible multilingual warning boards
• Physical barriers at dangerous entry points
• Identification of high-risk zones
• Trained lifeguards and rescue personnel
• Regular patrolling
• Adequate life jackets and rescue equipment
• Functional emergency helplines
• Coordination among local authorities
• Public-awareness campaigns during peak tourist seasons
• Accurate records of drowning incidents and near-miss events
• Periodic safety audits
• Accountability for the implementation of preventive measures

The lessons from Pawna Lake must help protect lives across India.

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Policy Advocacy

Drowning prevention requires coordinated administrative action. HBA seeks to work constructively with public authorities, elected representatives, civil-society organisations, media professionals, tourism stakeholders, educational institutions, and local communities.

Areas for Policy Attention

Safety Mapping

Authorities should identify vulnerable lakes, dams, rivers, waterfalls, canals, beaches, wells, and flood-prone zones.

Uniform Safety Standards

Popular tourist destinations should follow minimum standards for signage, barriers, rescue equipment, lifeguards, patrolling, and emergency response.

Public Information

Warnings must be visible, multilingual, easy to understand, and reinforced through digital platforms and local media.

Better Data

Drowning incidents, rescues, and near-miss events should be recorded systematically. Better data can guide prevention strategies.

Seasonal Action Plans

Special safety arrangements should be implemented during monsoons, festivals, holidays, and peak tourist periods.

Accountability

Responsible authorities and tourism operators should conduct regular inspections and act promptly when risks are reported.

School-Based Water-Safety Education

Age-appropriate water-safety awareness should be encouraged in schools and colleges.

Emergency Preparedness

Local authorities should strengthen rescue capacity and coordinate with police, fire services, medical responders, and disaster-management teams.

HBA has initiated a public petition highlighting the need to sensitise authorities and strengthen preventive measures at vulnerable water bodies.

World Drowning Prevention Day

The United Nations General Assembly declared 25 July as World Drowning Prevention Day to raise awareness about the profound impact of drowning and promote life-saving solutions.

HBA launched its drowning-prevention campaign on 25 July 2025, transforming a day of global awareness into a continuing mission for action in India.

HBA’s Proposed Annual Activities

• Water-safety awareness drives
• School and college sessions
• Youth-volunteer enrolment
• Social-media campaigns
• Distribution of safety posters and checklists
• Expert discussions
• Community meetings
• Media outreach
• Public petitions and advocacy initiatives
• Remembrance activities dedicated to those who lost their lives to drowning

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Download Safety Resources

HBA seeks to make practical safety information available in clear and accessible formats.

Resources for Families

• Family Water-Safety Checklist
• Guidelines for Visiting Lakes, Rivers, Dams, and Waterfalls
• Monsoon-Safety Guide
• Safe Boating Checklist

Resources for Schools and Colleges

• Student Water-Safety Pledge
• Classroom Poster
• Assembly Talk
• Workshop Presentation
• Water-Safety Ambassador Toolkit

Report an Unsafe Water Site

Have you noticed a dangerous lake, riverbank, dam, waterfall, canal, well, pond, beach, or tourist location?

Your report can help draw attention to a preventable risk.

Important Notice

This reporting form is intended to document safety concerns and support follow-up with the relevant authorities. It is not an emergency-response service.

In an immediate emergency, call 112 and alert the local authorities without delay.

Join the Mission to Prevent Drowning

A safer society requires informed citizens, responsible institutions, and responsive authorities.

You can support the mission by:

• Becoming a volunteer
• Organising an awareness