Experts from India and Australia have joined forces to advance drowning prevention efforts through a three-day India-Australia Drowning Prevention Technical Exchange held in Kerala.
Co-hosted by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, The George Institute for Global Health, and the Directorate of Medical Education, Thiruvananthapuram, the event brought together 30 representatives from government agencies, research institutions, public health organisations, emergency services and community groups.
Participants shared expertise and explored practical strategies to reduce drowning deaths, with discussions focusing on improving drowning surveillance systems, expanding swimming and water safety education, strengthening community-based prevention initiatives, and integrating drowning prevention into disaster risk reduction and climate action planning.
The exchange also featured contributions from leading Australian organisations, including Surf Life Saving Australia, Swimming Australia, AUSTSWIM, SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia, and Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar, which shared expertise in aquatic training, lifesaving and water safety education.
Organisers said the event highlighted the value of international collaboration in addressing a significant public health issue by bringing together research, policy and community perspectives to identify effective, locally relevant solutions.
The program was supported by the Centre for Australia-India Relations and the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Maitri Grants Program 2025.