Tourism police force mooted
Kurdistan Region addresses rising drowning incidents with new safety measures
KURDISTAN REGION – The Joint Crisis Coordination Centre in the Kurdistan Region recently convened to address the increasing number of drowning incidents affecting both residents and tourists. Following a thorough review of existing safety protocols and high-risk locations, the center has put forward four recommendations to the relevant authorities.
Rizgar Naqshbandi, a member of the Joint Crisis Coordination Centre, confirmed to 964media that these recommendations have been officially submitted after detailed discussions. The proposals include a multifaceted approach to enhance public awareness and safety at various water bodies.
The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has been urged to incorporate discussions on the religious implications of venturing into dangerous areas into mosque sermons, particularly targeting those visiting swimming sites at tourist locations.
Similarly, the Ministry of Education is expected to direct educators and sports trainers to intensify educational efforts about the risks of swimming in unauthorized zones and tourist spots lacking adequate safety features.
There is also a call for the installation of warning signs and billboards in tourist areas prone to drowning, accompanied by annual public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing these accidents.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Interior has been tasked with accelerating the creation of a dedicated tourist police force within these areas to bolster safety awareness among both locals and visitors.
As part of this initiative, the Ministry of Interior announced on December 18, 2023, the establishment of 165 tourist police positions. These officers are responsible for monitoring tourist sites and enforcing safety regulations. Although the initiative has been launched, its full implementation remains pending.
According to the Civil Defense Directorate, as of June 29, 2024, there have been 40 drowning deaths in various parts of the Kurdistan Region this year. In response, the directorate has escalated its rescue operations, which have already saved nearly 70 individuals. The directorate continues to urge the public to steer clear of riverbanks.
This concerted effort follows a troubling year where over 100 drownings were recorded across the region.
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