There is a consistent pattern to reports flooding news sites, about a number of drownings post Holi festivities. From Mumbai, where the focus is on Dadar-Mahim beach, to Gujarat, Odisha and Kolkata we have reports about revellers losing their lives in the water.

The tragedies usually unfold this way. Post getting colour on themselves playing Holi, youngsters decide to gadabout in water bodies. Many think taking a quick dip will help in washing off colour. That is when they underestimate depth or currents. Some simply slip and fall into the waters, while trying to get colour from their limbs. Still others have drowned trying to save friends and companions who are being washed away.