As temperatures rise and families head to beaches, swimming pools and other bodies of water during the summer holidays, the risk of drowning also increases, particularly among children. While water activities are a highlight of the season, many drowning incidents can be prevented through awareness, constant supervision and basic water safety skills.
Khalid bin Bader bin Saif al Zuhli, CEO of Dolphin Swim Center and an international referee accredited by World Aquatics, said swimming is no longer just a recreational activity but an essential life skill that children should learn from an early age.
"A child can be introduced to water from the age of six months, but after the age of three is the most suitable stage for learning basic swimming skills because children are better able to understand instructions and recognise safe and unsafe behaviour," he said.
Despite the importance of swimming lessons, al Zuhli stressed that continuous adult supervision remains the first line of defence against drowning. Even children who know how to swim may become tired, frightened or overwhelmed by unexpected situations in the water.
He warned that one of the biggest mistakes parents make is relying on inflatable toys or arm floats for safety.
"Arm floats and inflatable toys create a false sense of security. They can tip over or become damaged at any moment. Parents should prioritise teaching their children to swim while maintaining constant supervision," he said.
Al Zuhli also challenged common misconceptions about drowning. Contrary to scenes often portrayed in films, drowning victims rarely shout or wave for help.
"Drowning usually happens silently. A person struggling in the water instinctively focuses on keeping their head above the surface and is often unable to call for help. People nearby may not realise someone is in danger until it is too late."
Warning signs include remaining upright in the water with little movement, having the head at or below the water's surface, appearing confused or frightened, making ineffective hand movements to stay afloat, or showing unfocused eyes.
When witnessing a drowning, al Zuhli cautioned against immediately jumping into the water without proper rescue training.
"The priority should be calling for help and using rescue equipment such as a buoy, rope or any floating object that can be extended to the victim. Only enter the water if absolutely necessary, after assessing the risks and having a clear rescue plan, as many untrained rescuers become victims themselves."
Once the victim has been brought to safety, he advised checking whether they are conscious and breathing. If they are breathing, keep them lying down and monitor their condition. If they are unconscious and not breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately by performing 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths until emergency services arrive.
He also recommended keeping the victim warm with a blanket if they are cold and avoiding giving them food or drink to reduce the risk of choking.
Al Zuhli highlighted the danger of delayed or "dry" drowning, which can occur when water enters the lungs or airways, causing complications that may develop hours after leaving the water.
He urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if a child develops persistent coughing, breathing difficulties, wheezing, dizziness, unusual fatigue, bluish lips or face, or changes in behaviour after a water incident. Children should be monitored for at least 24 hours following any drowning or near-drowning event.
While authorities, particularly the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority, continue to strengthen public awareness campaigns and water safety initiatives, al Zuhli emphasised that preventing drowning ultimately begins with families.
"Awareness, supervision and swimming skills together remain the strongest protection for children around water."
Photos by Abdulrhman Al Kindi (@abdulrhman.alkindi)
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