DROWNING happens quite frequently in our country, especially during school holidays. It has become very serious, as drowning deaths have been reported almost every month.
Drowning can happen in a river, waterfall, beach, hotel swimming pool or during water recreational activities. Drowning deaths are preventable if adequate safety measures are taken.
Among the factors which can cause drowning are unrestricted and ready access to beaches, lack of knowledge and understanding of water conditions, ignorance, disregard or misjudgment of hazardous water conditions, absence of supervision and lack of awareness and education in water safety, personal survival and life-saving techniques.
According to the Statistics Department, an average of 596 people drowned every year between 2009 and 2013. Nearly half of these cases involved children and teenagers; those aged between 5 and 14 made up the biggest group of drowning victims. This brought the average death attributed to drowning to 1.6 per day.
However, the latest data from the Fire and Rescue Department indicated that an average 700 people died from drowning annually in the country, especially at picnic and recreational areas.
As the year-end school holidays have started, all relevant parties have to be extra vigilant in monitoring water recreational activities.
The authorities must conduct inspections at all recreational areas within their jurisdiction to maintain safety.
They should ensure proper maintenance is carried out so that these places are safe for the public.
If any of the recreational places is found to be unsafe, the authorities should immediately inform
the public. Safety signages and warning signs should be visible to all.
The authorities must also ensure that all recreational areas are equipped with safety equipment to be used during emergency situations. For instance, inflated and floating devices must be made available near waterfalls.
Guards or lifeguards should be stationed at all beaches and public recreational areas. Hotels should provide lifeguards at the swimming pools. Parents must also play their part by being cautious and vigilant at all times.
This is the time that the relevant parties, especially the Water Activity Safety Council (WASC), coordinate and intensify water safety awareness campaigns.
WASC was established in May this year following the increase in the number of drowning cases in the country either at sea, disused mining ponds, rivers, waterfalls and hotel swimming pools.
It was set up to coordinate the activities, campaigns and training related to water safety by the relevant agencies, private sector and non-governmental organisations to reduce accidents at water bodies and lessen negligence, indifference and failure to comply with rules, warnings and safety signages. WASC, under the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry, has members comprising government agencies, NGOs and the private sector. It formulated the WASC Action Plan 2016-2020, which will be implemented by the government and is aimed at:
PROMOTING water safety awareness in a holistic and comprehensive manner, covering all segments of society and water areas;
IMPROVING awareness and rescue efforts to reduce drowning incidents at home, the workplace, on water transportation, recreational areas and any other water body;
ENHANCING awareness and promoting a water safety culture during water activities either for sports or recreation;
ENSURING appropriate designs for the building of water-related recreational facilities and making sure they are equipped with up-to-date water safety features and equipment; and,
COORDINATING data collection and information on drowning and near drowning incidents in Malaysia.
The council will also come out with best practices on Safety Control and Safety Management of Water Activities at the Lakes and Beaches as well as a Framework for Coordination of Data Management and Information on Drowning.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE,
Water Activity Safety Council (WASC) member