Water safety perceptions and practices across tourist sites in West Bengal, India

Water-based tourism in India has grown rapidly, yet limited research has examined how tourists, operators, and local communities perceive water safety, implement protective practices, and navigate barriers to effective risk management. This study aimed to explore these perspectives across diverse tourist sites in West Bengal, a state with high drowning rates, to identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening injury prevention strategies.

Seven water-related tourist sites representing rivers, beaches, and lakes were purposively selected across four districts of West Bengal. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with tourists, tourism activity operators, and local residents until thematic saturation was reached. A total of 23 interviews were transcribed, translated, and analyzed using iterative thematic analysis to identify perceptions of risk, safety practices, and barriers and enablers to implementation.

Operators and locals perceived greater concern for water safety than tourists, largely due to lived experience and prior exposure to incidents. Risk perception was shaped by environmental conditions, seasonal changes, and cultural practices such as religious gatherings. Safety measures varied considerably across sites: urban and border areas demonstrated stronger enforcement of passenger limits and lifejacket use, while rural and religious sites often lacked adequate signage, surveillance, or infrastructure. Rescue response times were frequently delayed due to insufficient personnel and equipment, and alcohol consumption was consistently cited as a major risk factor. Participants emphasized the need for stronger regulation, improved crowd management during religious tourism, and greater public awareness of water hazards. Suggestions included building safe access platforms, expanding survival swim training, and enhancing police and operator rescue capacity.

Findings highlight perceptions of inconsistent implementation of water safety practices across tourist sites in West Bengal, reflecting systemic gaps in regulation, enforcement, and infrastructure. As drowning risk is amplified by increasing tourism and climate change-related unpredictability, a proactive policy framework is urgently needed. Site-specific safety plans, standardized signage, improved rescue preparedness, and population-level sensitization were all suggested to reduce drowning risk and strengthen injury prevention. This study underscores the importance of embedding water safety within public health and tourism policy to protect vulnerable populations and ensure safer recreational environments.