Eight students drown during Pune coaching centre beach outing

A coaching institute based in Alandi, Pune, organized what was intended to be a recreational outing to Diveagar beach for its Class 11 and Class 12 students. The group comprised 42 students—25 boys and 17 girls—accompanied by six teachers. However, the trip turned tragic when eight students ventured into the sea and drowned.

The incident underscores ongoing safety concerns surrounding student outings in Maharashtra. Coastal areas like Diveagar, located in Raigad district, can experience strong currents and challenging sea conditions that pose significant risks to swimmers, particularly young individuals. The tragedy raises questions about the adequacy of safety measures and supervision during such excursions.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drownings. The coaching institute's decision to take students to a beach without apparent preparation for water safety has drawn scrutiny from education officials and parent groups. Such incidents have periodically prompted calls for stricter guidelines governing student outings and mandatory safety protocols at educational institutions.

The names and identities of the victims have not been disclosed pending notification of families. The incident has sent shockwaves through Pune's education community, with several institutions reportedly reviewing their outing policies in response.