Drowning cases involving students show a surge during summer vacation, with the tragedy that claimed three dental students in the Palavan river at Vadattupara, Kuttampuzha panchayat, near Kothamangalam on Sunday (May 10, 2026) being the latest, observed the Fire and Rescue Services department.

The victims, part of a nine-member group from Baselios Dental College, Kothamangalam, had come to the picturesque stretch downstream of Idamalayar dam for recreation. One reportedly slipped from a sandbar into deeper waters and was caught in strong undercurrents, while the other two drowned trying to save him.

Last month, in a similar incident, three dental students drowned in the main canal from Idamalayar at Odakkali in neighbouring Asamannoor panchayat. While two bodies were recovered by locals, the third was fished out by the scuba team from Kothamangalam fire station. In another incident, a 15-year-old girl, a plus-one student, drowned in a 30-40 ft stone quarry at Thrikkariyoor panchayat in Kothamangalam block.

“Around 90% of drowning cases occur during summer vacation, and 95% of victims are students venturing into dangerous waters to swim or learn swimming. Realising this, the Kothamangalam fire station, in association with Pindimana panchayat, civil defence volunteers and a local school, organised a 10-day swimming camp for students this vacation. Around 50 students participated in the camp,” said Mohammed Ajmal Shah, station officer, Kothamangalam fire station. The scuba team stationed at the Kothamangalam fire station attends drowning cases across rural Ernakulam district.

Residents said around 20 lives had been lost in the Palavan river, which claimed three lives on Sunday. Flanked by greenery and pristine sandbeds, the river’s allure hides grave dangers in the form of strong undercurrents and deep pits unfamiliar to visitors. “We have put up a warning board against venturing into the river. But visitors often disregard it,” said Mr. Shah.

Residents added that the water level and current rise suddenly following water discharge from the Idamalayar pump house after power generation. This often catches unsuspecting visitors off guard, as the sandbars on which they stand get washed away.