Safety concerns in rivers
Iraqi authorities debate swimming restrictions amid rising temperatures
BAGHDAD — In response to a surge in drowning deaths, Iraqi authorities are intensifying efforts to curb swimming in rivers, a traditional summer pastime.
For generations, Iraqis have swum in their rivers, but recent directives discourage this practice. There are no laws against river swimming, but patrols are increasingly tasked with keeping youth from the water, particularly as Iraq faces a brutal summer. On the first day of summer, temperatures in eight southern governorates exceeded 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), per the Iraqi Meteorological Agency.
Khaled Kabian, head of Iraq’s Swimming Federation, supports restricting river swimming primarily to protect young people. He suggests that the idea of creating designated swimming areas could be presented to local governments.
Nuwas Sabah, Civil Defense Media Director, told 964media that preventing river swimming is mainly the responsibility of the river police, with Civil Defense providing support as needed. “River police have underwater breathing equipment, while Civil Defense gear is designed for land use,” Sabah said. He emphasized the dangers of river swimming: “Swimming in rivers is a significant risk due to fast currents and hidden hazards, and it is better to swim in pools.”
Two weeks ago, security forces in Ghammas, just south of Diwaniyah, detained several youths for swimming near a potentially dangerous water project equipped with large submerged electric pumps. They were released only after pledging not to swim near the site again. A local expressed to 964media frustration within the community: “Despite the warnings, we have nowhere else suitable for swimming.”
Adel Al-Husseini, Babil Police’s media official, noted that while there is no law against swimming in the river, police directives are aimed at preventing young people from swimming in deep waters to curb drownings. “Patrols aim to warn and deter youths from dangerous swimming areas,” Al-Husseini stated.
As temperatures soar, Iraqis increasingly flock to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers as refuges from the intense heat. “We’re young and want to have a good time — where else can we go?” said a young man from Baghdad, who retreats to the Tigris almost daily after work, speaking to AFP.
While the necessity for cooling off intensifies, the feasibility of safe swimming zones along riverbanks remains in question. The Ministry of Water Resources indicates that constructing breakwaters or designated swimming areas is not within their remit. The tourism department notes that the abrupt depths and steep banks of Iraq’s rivers make such projects challenging. Additionally, pollution in Baghdad’s rivers complicates the creation of safe swimming areas.
Ali Razi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Water Resources, supports the restrictions as a lifesaving measure, explaining that rivers, unlike seas, do not require breakwaters. “Our focus is on managing raw water and does not include securing swimming areas,” Razi said. He also warned of health risks: “River water is often unhealthy for swimming due to potential contamination.”
Iraq’s Minister of Water Resources, Aoun Diab, recently stressed the severity of the extreme weather conditions facing the country. “I have never experienced such heat in June as we are experiencing now,” Diab stated, pointing out that the unprecedented rise in temperatures is a clear indicator of significant climate change challenges. This has led more Iraqis to seek relief in the rivers, despite the associated risks.
Mohsen Abdel, Director of Tourism Media, highlighted the unsuitability of Baghdad’s rivers for swimming due to pollution. He noted that rivers in other governorates often traverse private lands, complicating barrier construction. “Most Iraqi rivers are not properly cleaned and contain various hazards like wires and debris, contributing to the drowning risks,” Abdel explained.
Khaled Kabian, head of Iraq’s Swimming Federation, remarked that building breakwaters along the extensive riverbanks of the Tigris and Euphrates is impractical. He also noted that complete bans and 24-hour patrols are not feasible. “Families play a crucial role in educating and supervising their children,” Kabian said, advocating for local governments to identify and secure safe swimming areas.
The United Nations ranks Iraq among the world’s five most climate-vulnerable nations. This vulnerability is mirrored globally, with countries like Japan issuing severe heatstroke warnings and regions across South and Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America facing extreme heat waves, resulting in wildfires, record temperatures, and health risks.
AFP contributed to this report
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