SEASON OF CAUTION - Preventing drowning tragedies among children
521 drowning incidents were reported in Oman in 2021, up from 361 in 2020 - a 44% increase in just one year
Published: 06:04 PM,Apr 13,2025 | EDITED : 10:04 PM,Apr 13,2025
SEASON OF CAUTION - Preventing drowning tragedies among children
As the summer heat intensifies across Oman, families naturally gravitate towards beaches, wadis and swimming pools to escape the high temperatures and enjoy time outdoors. Yet, what should be a season of joy and relaxation has increasingly become one marked by concern. A troubling rise in drowning incidents - especially involving children and teenagers - underscores the urgent need for preventive action and public awareness.
According to the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), Oman’s water rescue teams responded to 521 drowning incidents in 2021, a sharp increase from the 361 cases recorded in 2020. While official figures for 2024 and 2025 are yet to be released, trends suggest a continued escalation, making it imperative to prioritise water safety measures - particularly for the younger population.
Several key factors contribute to these alarming statistics. Foremost among them is the lack of adequate swimming skills, especially in children who are more vulnerable in open or unmonitored water. Another contributing factor is the tendency to swim in undesignated or unsafe areas such as agricultural ponds, dams and unregulated water channels that often lack basic safety infrastructure.
In many tragic cases, well-intentioned but untrained individuals have attempted rescues, sometimes resulting in multiple drownings during a single incident. Moreover, the absence of adult supervision - particularly during family outings or school holidays - exacerbates the risk. Disregarding warning signs, swimming in prohibited zones, or attempting to cross flooded wadis are also common behaviours that lead to fatal outcomes.
Amid these challenges, teaching children how to swim properly is emerging as one of the most effective ways to reduce such accidents. Far from being just a recreational activity, swimming is a critical life skill. It not only fosters safety and awareness in aquatic environments, but also enhances children’s physical fitness, motor coordination and confidence.
Promoting water safety requires a multi-pronged approach. Constant supervision by parents or guardians is non-negotiable, especially when children are in or near the water. Families should ensure they swim only in areas that are officially designated and equipped with lifeguards and safety equipment. Life jackets or floatation devices must be used - particularly by children who are still learning to swim or who lack confidence in the water.
Equally important is educating children about the dangers posed by water. Awareness campaigns, school-based swimming programmes and community outreach can play a vital role in fostering a culture of caution. Children should be discouraged from swimming alone or without adult presence, regardless of their skill level.
The steady increase in drowning incidents in Oman is a public health concern that calls for joint efforts by families, educators and authorities alike.
By instilling essential swimming skills, promoting water safety and raising awareness, we can collectively prevent future tragedies and ensure our children enjoy summer safely.
According to the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), Oman’s water rescue teams responded to 521 drowning incidents in 2021, a sharp increase from the 361 cases recorded in 2020. While official figures for 2024 and 2025 are yet to be released, trends suggest a continued escalation, making it imperative to prioritise water safety measures - particularly for the younger population.
Several key factors contribute to these alarming statistics. Foremost among them is the lack of adequate swimming skills, especially in children who are more vulnerable in open or unmonitored water. Another contributing factor is the tendency to swim in undesignated or unsafe areas such as agricultural ponds, dams and unregulated water channels that often lack basic safety infrastructure.
In many tragic cases, well-intentioned but untrained individuals have attempted rescues, sometimes resulting in multiple drownings during a single incident. Moreover, the absence of adult supervision - particularly during family outings or school holidays - exacerbates the risk. Disregarding warning signs, swimming in prohibited zones, or attempting to cross flooded wadis are also common behaviours that lead to fatal outcomes.
Amid these challenges, teaching children how to swim properly is emerging as one of the most effective ways to reduce such accidents. Far from being just a recreational activity, swimming is a critical life skill. It not only fosters safety and awareness in aquatic environments, but also enhances children’s physical fitness, motor coordination and confidence.
Promoting water safety requires a multi-pronged approach. Constant supervision by parents or guardians is non-negotiable, especially when children are in or near the water. Families should ensure they swim only in areas that are officially designated and equipped with lifeguards and safety equipment. Life jackets or floatation devices must be used - particularly by children who are still learning to swim or who lack confidence in the water.
Equally important is educating children about the dangers posed by water. Awareness campaigns, school-based swimming programmes and community outreach can play a vital role in fostering a culture of caution. Children should be discouraged from swimming alone or without adult presence, regardless of their skill level.
The steady increase in drowning incidents in Oman is a public health concern that calls for joint efforts by families, educators and authorities alike.
By instilling essential swimming skills, promoting water safety and raising awareness, we can collectively prevent future tragedies and ensure our children enjoy summer safely.