The Rise of Drawning

“We faced a great increase of drowning cases in the months of April and May, the main reason is when beach-goers ignore instructions, say Dubai Police.

Dubai Police said they planned to launch an extensive awareness campaign by March 2011 warning beach-goers against swimming in undesignated areas and at dangerous hours. They also planned to increase police units at hot zones.

“We will increase police presence on beaches that attract many visitors or have had the highest number of accidents in the past,” Major Bin Darwish said.

According to the Rescue Department at Dubai Police, one of the most dangerous beaches with the highest number of accidents is the Umm Suqueim beach.  Most incidents that required the attention of the Rescue Department at Dubai Police were drownings, sea sports accidents such as jet skis and motor boats colliding, individuals falling off boats, and vehicles falling into the sea or creek.

• 89: sea accidents in the first nine months of this year
• 42: near-drowning or drowning incidents
• 8:fatalities by drowning

Police have reported 89 serious accidents involving swimmers in the first nine months of this year compared to 81 for the whole of 2009. The 89 cases included 42 cases of near-drowning or drowning that caused eight fatalities. A total of 27 out of 42 of these cases occurred in the months of April and May, police sources said.

“The increase of the population is not the reason for the increase of accidents as many believe, but really the lack of awareness of the public,” Major Bin Darwish said. “Lack of preparation for a sea trip such as checking the weather forecast or making sure you are aware of emergency numbers and carrying an efficient life-aid kit can make a big difference.”