Dubai: Dubai Police, represented by the Ports Police Station, joined the world in commemorating World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25 to raise awareness about the tragic impact of drowning and promote preventive measures.
Major General Ali Atiq bin Lahej, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Ports Affairs, attended the event, which featured educational lectures by experts from Dubai Police and Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services. It also featured distribution of QR codes with safety tips in Arabic and English to beachgoers and rescue equipment demonstrations and gifts.
Brigadier Dr Hassan Suhail, Director of Ports Police Station, emphasised the importance of the day and highlighted the devastating effects of drowning on families and communities. He stressed the need for proactive solutions and preventive measures.
Causes of drowning
Meanwhile, Colonel Ali Al Naqbi, Director of. Sea Rescue Department in Dubai Polic, delivered a lecture at Bermuda Diving Center, discussing the leading causes of drowning, including lack of swimming skills, panic, strong currents, fatigue, peer pressure, disregard for instructions, alcohol and drug use, swimming outside designated areas, unawareness of whirlpools, and unqualified rescue attempts.
Preventive measures
The lecture also covered preventive measures, such as not leaving children unattended in water, swimming only in designated areas with lifeguards present, wearing appropriate swimming gear, avoiding alcohol and drugs, refraining from risky behaviour, and not swimming immediately after eating or after sunset except in designated areas.
Seconds can save a life
This year, under the overarching theme “Anyone can drown, no one should,” the World Health Organisation has chosen the slogan “Seconds can save a life.” This highlights the dual nature of drowning. Drowning can occur in a matter of seconds yet taking a brief moment to act — whether by wearing a life jacket, keeping watch over children while they are near water, checking the weather forecast before boating, or choosing safety over distraction — can prevent a tragedy.
