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Title: Need to utilize the services of Navy for training youths in swimming and rescue operations in case of incidents of drowning in various parts of the country.
SHRI P.T. THOMAS (IDUKKI): Kerala is a land of rivers, lakes, and land situated between backwaters and sea. Apart from this, in the hilly districts such as Idukki there are water bodies of different dams. Every year hundreds of lives are lost due to drowning. In most of the cases the victims are students. Boat tragedies such as one that took place in Thekkady are not uncommon. One of the reasons for high death toll is due to the fact that people don’t know swimming. Now, Naval forces arrive on the scene of tragedies only to get back the dead bodies. I request that Navy may be pressed into service for training the youths in swimming and rescue operation. Two methods can be adopted by Navy in this regard. One is by establishing N.C.C. naval wing in all schools and colleges. The second is by rendering help to regional swimming clubs of youths. I request the Government to consider this matter seriously and save the precious lives.