Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Doha, Qatar is on a mission to prevent drowning incidents in the country by educating the public on simple steps that can prevent such tragedies. With the summer heatwave in full swing, more people are seeking relief in the water, making it crucial for HMC to create awareness about safe swimming practices. In an effort to promote safe swimming, HMC has issued safety tips, especially for children, to follow when going to beaches or swimming pools to avoid the risk of drowning. It is urged for parents to never leave children unattended near water, especially children under the age of two, as they can drown in as little as 5cm of water within seconds.
Even if children know how to swim, adult supervision is still advised as an extra safety measure. HMC recommends that children wear appropriate swimwear for their age group and ensure that life jackets, rescue equipment, and floating devices are readily available. It is preferred for children to wear swimming floats for added safety. In addition, HMC suggests that parents and adults sign up for swimming classes with a certified trainer as a precautionary measure. It is also recommended to swim with a partner and avoid swimming alone to receive help in case of emergencies.
HMC also advises sea-goers to be mindful of weather conditions before swimming. It is essential to keep an eye on the weather forecast and steer clear of swimming in strong currents, rip currents, large waves, or thunderstorms. It is important to pay attention to any warnings issued by the Qatar Meteorology Department as these can help prevent dangerous situations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 236,000 people die from drowning annually worldwide, with drowning ranking among the top ten leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years.
In Qatar, approximately 25 individuals die from drowning incidents each year, with 30 percent of them being children. Children under the age of 10, especially those younger than four years old, are the most severely affected by the physical and psychological long-term effects of drowning incidents. To shed light on the devastating impact of drowning on families and communities and provide life-saving solutions, World Drowning Prevention Day is observed annually on July 25. By following simple safety tips and being aware of potential risks, individuals can enjoy water activities while reducing the chances of drowning incidents.
