THERE is an urgent need for a database of statistics and information on drowning cases so that a plan can be introduced to reduce them.
The database will enable the authorities and the Water Activity Safety Council (WASC) to develop measures to address the issue.
The data could help the authorities identify hotspots for drowning cases, the causes and other contributing factors.
Now, data on drowning cases is collected by the Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Civil Defence Force, Department of Statistics and the Health Ministry.
Therefore, the figures released vary because each agency collects data for a different purpose.
Although WASC has started collecting data, the process has room for improvement as some reports are incomplete.
Therefore, I urge the agencies to agree on a uniform data-collection protocol for drowning cases.
This data collection is the first step in preventing drowning cases because it allows us to study the causes and how each drowning case occurs.
During a Drowning Prevention Seminar in Penang recently, Perak Clinical Research Centre head Datuk Dr Amar Singh said that in the first nine months of this year, 31 children were found drowned in swimming pools and theme parks.
The highest number of cases was recorded in Selangor, Kedah and Pahang, with about 75 per cent of the children aged below 5.
A study by the centre showed that about 500 children drowned annually, and it was the second highest cause of death among those below 18.
On average, about 700 cases of drowning were reported nationwide each year, while the World Health Organisation report shows that about 40 people drowned worldwide every hour.
Amar said that for every one dengue death among children, 30 died from drowning.
Drowning can occur in a variety of situations and environments, including when working, moving on water transport and during recreational activities.
However, drowning cases are preventable, provided all parties play their roles effectively.
Drowning cases often involve students and teens, especially during the school holidays.
Half the victims are those who tried to save other children.
To compound the matter, those who survived are suffering from brain damage.
I believe that parents need to supervise children playing in water. In many drowning cases, parents were unaware of their children playing near the river or pond.
Schools must create awareness about drowning by inviting representatives from WASC or relevant agencies to give a briefing.
Local authorities should provide funds to ensure the safety of waterfalls, water recreation areas and beaches under their jurisdiction.
Warning signs should be installed to remind people about high-risk areas, while damaged or vandalised signs should be replaced.
The authorities must compel landowners to fence disused mining pools or ponds.
We do not want to see the recurrence of drowning cases in disused tin or bauxite mining pools.
All parties should make drowning prevention part of their culture, while children and students should be taught this too.
If possible, children should be sent to swimming classes, besides learning first aid to help victims of drowning and other disasters.
Members of the Red Crescent, St John Ambulance, Boy Scouts and Girl Guides must master life-saving skills to ensure that they can give first aid to drowning victims.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Member, National Water Activity Safety Council.