Socio-Epidemiological Variables and Medicolegal Considerations in Freshwater Drowning Deaths: A Decadal Autopsy Study (2006-2015)

Drowning is significant public health problem commonly affecting the most productive age groups. Thedecadal retrospective study presents detailed analysis of socio-epidemiological characteristics of 120 victimsof drowning death and stresses upon prevention of such deaths. It also undertakes medicolegal analysis ofdrowning deaths with regard to identity, manner and time since death.Drowning deaths comprised nearly 30% of violent asphyxial deaths, following hanging (50.37%). Overall,the most affected ages were third and fourth decade of life accounting for 46.7% cases. Young adults in theirsecond decade of life were commonest victims of accidental drowning. Suicidal deaths were more frequentamong females. Canal water was the most common source of fatal drowning in 62% cases, followed byponds, river and drains.Significantly 28.3% victims of drowning were unidentified and in about 2/3rd of these cases time sincedeath exceeded 3 days. Among 82 victims with known manner of death, accidental deaths accounted for79.3% cases; suicides for 18.3% cases and 2.4% were homicidal cases. Minor injuries were observed in16.6% cases, none contributing to the cause of death.