In light of the inclement weather prevailing in the Sultanate of Oman as Cyclone Asna is set to make landfall, the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) has cautioned all citizens and expatriates to be more vigilant, particularly with regard to the safety of their children, to prevent drowning incidents.
Last week, two children died following a drowning incident in the Wilayat of Ibri and such incidents have become more common, especially during adverse weather conditions and ensuing flash floods.
"Parents have a crucial role to play in safeguarding their children from drowning, ensuring they are under constant supervision during adverse weather conditions, and not allowing them to play near bodies of water," a CDAA spokesperson said.
In Oman, mortality from drowning reached 211 cases, or 1.42 per cent of total deaths, with an age-adjusted death rate of 4.91 per 100,000 of the population, ranking Oman 26th in the world. More than 500 drowning incidents were reported in Oman in a given year, the report revealed.
The water rescue teams of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) respond to nearly 600 calls of drowning incidents during rainy periods. Natural water bodies can be dangerous if proper care and attention are not exercised by adults when children are near them, according to the CDAA.
Mostly children, males and individuals with increased access to water are at high risk of drowning. Carelessness during rainy periods, inattention to warning signs near water tourism spots, lakes, ponds, swimming pools, or the sea and leaving children unattended at pools are major factors contributing to drowning incidents in the country, the report noted.
CDAA statistics show that the main causes of drowning deaths include crossing running wadis, swimming in undesignated areas such as dams, water channels and waterlogged areas, leaving children unattended near water and not following safety instructions.
"By law, crossing wadis and low-lying areas despite warnings is a punishable offence and can have serious repercussions," the spokesperson added.
In recent years, 12 people lost their lives on the Salalah road, a drowning incident occurred in Wadi Darbat, three family members lost their lives on Al Jabal Al Akhdher. In another incident, two individuals lost their lives last year at Al Mughsail beach after losing control while taking selfies and falling into the sea. Another person recently lost their life in the Wilayat of Barka.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
