Srinagar, Jul 25: The Swim N Survival Society Kashmir (SSSK) on Saturday observed World Drowning Prevention Day 2026 at the Water Sports Centre, Nigeen, with over 100 swimmers, volunteers, coaches and water sports experts participating in an awareness programme focused on water safety and rescue preparedness.
The event aimed to promote awareness about drowning prevention, safe rescue practices and emergency response techniques.
A major highlight of the programme was a live drowning rescue demonstration in Nigeen Lake, where water sports experts showcased safe methods of rescuing a drowning person without endangering the rescuer.
Participants were also given practical demonstrations on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), first aid and other life-saving techniques, helping them understand the importance of timely intervention during water-related emergencies.
As part of the initiative, volunteers were identified and selected by experts to form a dedicated team that can support rescue agencies during floods and other water-related disasters in the future.
Speaking on the occasion, SSSK President Shakeel Ahmad Shah lauded the efforts of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), swimming clubs, educational institutions and schools with swimming pools for strengthening water safety and rescue preparedness.
He stressed that promoting swimming skills and water safety education is crucial to reducing drowning incidents and building a safer community.
The programme also featured swimming and rescue skill demonstrations by Mohsin Fayaz, Ferooz Khan, Riyaz Wani, Yasir Makdoomi, Muzamil, Mehraj and Zahid Iqbal, who displayed advanced swimming techniques, rescue methods and emergency response skills before the participants.
The event concluded with all participants taking a pledge to promote water safety awareness, encourage swimming education and work collectively to prevent drowning incidents across Jammu and Kashmir.
