Year - 2026Volume - 4Issue - 1Pages - 15-21
Medico legal aspects of drowning
17 Mar 2026
4
About Author
Shitole D1,Narvekar D2,Nandekar D3,
1 Pg Scholar department agadtantra , YMT Ayurvedic medical colleges NAVI MUMBAI KHARGHAR
2 Associate professor department agadtantra , YMT Ayurvedic medical colleges NAVI MUMBAI KHARGHAR
3 Professor and Head of department agadtantra , YMT Ayurvedic medical colleges NAVI MUMBAI KHARGHAR
Correspondence Address
YMT Ayurvedic medical colleges NAVI MUMBAI KHARGHAR
Contact No. : 08235007007, Email : gssshitole12@Gmail.com
Date of Acceptance : 30 Mar 2026
Date of Publication : 31 Mar 2026
Article ID : SD-IJAY_163
How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2026.4103
Abstract
Drowning is a major, but often neglected, public health problem. Drowning is the second leading cause of death from unintentional injuries, after rode traffic injuries. According to the world health organization, 0.7% of all deaths worldwide (>500,000 deaths) each year are due to unintentional drowning. The south Asian countries have higher deaths rates by drowning compared to the world average. Among drowning survivors, approximately 69% have complete neurological recovery, 28% suffer some selective deficit, and 3%survive in a permanent vegetative state.In India, very little is known about the epidemiology of drowning. Low- and middle-income countries are the most affected, accounting for 91% of unintentional drowning deaths. There is almost no awarenessor protocols to prevent drowningIntroduction
Drowning is defined as the mode of violent asphyxial death, In which entry of air into the lungs is prevented by presence of water or any other fluid in lungs and respiratory passages, water having entered through nose and mouth.
Discussion
· Drowning is a serious but neglected health problem in the Malabar region of Kerala.
· Early adolescents, specially boys, tend to explore the environment, and this may explain the peak incidence of drowning events in this age group.
· Drowning is the second leading cause of death from unintentional injury, after road traffic injuries.
· Rigor mortis becomes established in 8-10 hours. After decomposition, body floats as supine.
· Rarely body is converted into adipocere.
· Presence of diatoms-Is the confirmatory test for drowning.
· Accidental drowning is most common, and seen in children, bathers, intoxicated and epileptic subjects.
· Suicide by drowning is fairly common in India, especially among females.
· By this study we understood that following are the confirmatory signs of drowning
1. Froth – white, fine
2. Cadaveric spasm
3. Cutis anserine (Goose skin)
4. Washer women like hands & feet
Conclusion
Drowning has been a controversial subject medicolegally, Prevention Always practice water safety, and supervise children in pools or hot tubs, at beaches, and by other bodies of water. If a person shows symptoms of trouble breathing or a lack of oxygen, receiving medical care immediately will increase their chance of survival. Many deaths due to accidental drowning may be reduced. It includes: fencing of the swimming pool, covering up the wells or open barrels with grills, installation of pool alarms, use of personal protection, ensuring the availability and use of personal floatation devices- life jackets, increasing awareness amongst parents and guardians, providing lessons in swimming skills and CPR. Authorities to take steps to prevent this hazard that is being faced by a large population especially near water bodies.References
1. Parikh's, text book of medical Jurisprudence, forensic Medicine and Toxicology, CBS Publisher & Distributer Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, Seventh Edition.
2. The wealth of India vol 7 New Delhi, 1991.
3. Textbook of forensic medicine: S.K. Singhal’s.
4. Toxicology & forensic medicine: V. V. Pillay.
5. Textbook of medical jurisprudence: - Modi