Muscat: Drowning cases have increased in Oman, authorities said, as people continue to disregard safety warnings.
The Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulances (PACDA) handled 172 water-related emergencies at sea, in wadis, pools and wells last year.
Data shows that 149 people were rescued and 23, including 13 children, died.
A total of 113 water-related emergencies were recorded in 2015, compared to 150 cases in 2014.
An official at the PACDA told Gulf News that the highest number of cases were handled during the summer months as many people were on holiday.
The official added that such cases occur because people do not take precautions.
“Many of them enter the sea or wadis even if they do not know how to swim. Many go swimming during high tides and in the areas marked unsafe,” he said.
The official advised the public to pay attention to weather forecasts and not to venture into wadis and the sea.
Seven Omani children drowned at sea, in wadis and wells in 2015 — compared to six cases in 2014.
In January three teenage Omani girls drowned in Jalan Bani Bu Ali province, in the eastern part of Oman, after they went swimming in the Aseela area.
Drowning cases are common in Oman, as people continue to disregard warnings from authorities against swimming in choppy seas and areas prone to flash floods.
Children make up the majority of drowning victims as they are often not strong enough to swim against powerful currents.
Parents often leave their children to swim alone, prompting the PACDA to organise several campaigns to warn parents against negligent behaviour.
“Pay close attention to children at the beach. Even in shallow water, waves can cause a loss of balance. Don’t leave them alone,” said the official.
