World Drowning Prevention Day

KRG records 51 drowning cases over seven months, mostly children

2024-07-25 | 14:05

KURDISTAN REGION– Over the past seven months, 51 individuals, predominantly children, have drowned in the Kurdistan Region. As the world observes World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, Civil Defense spokesperson told 964media that 40 drowning cases were recorded in the first half of this year, with an additional 11 incidents occurring in July.

Today marks World Drowning Prevention Day, observed on July 25 to raise awareness about the devastating and lasting impacts of drowning on families worldwide. According to United Nations statistics, “an estimated 236,000 people drown each year.” The organization’s data confirms that drawing is among the ten major causes of death for children aged 5 to 14 years.

Sarkawt Karash, a spokesperson for the Civil Defense in the Kurdistan Region, told 964media, “In the first six months of this year, 40 drowning cases have been recorded across all governorates of the Kurdistan Region.” Additionally, 964media has documented 11 drowning incidents in the past 25 days, bringing the total number of cases to 51.

Regarding their awareness efforts for residents and tourists, the Civil Defense spokesperson emphasized, “We advise residents to stay away from rivers and not to swim in lakes if they are not confident swimmers.”

Earlier this month, the Joint Crisis Coordination Centre in the Kurdistan Region convened to address the increasing number of drowning incidents affecting both residents and tourists. Following a review of existing safety protocols and high-risk locations, the center has put forward several recommendations to the relevant authorities.

The most devastating drowning incident occurred in mid-June when five members of the same family drowned in a village in Sulaymaniyah’s Raparin administration. A child fell into a pond, prompting the father to jump in to rescue him. Three other family members followed, and tragically, all five drowned.

Last year, more than 100 drownings were recorded across the Kurdistan Region. In response, civil defense teams have intensified rescue operations, saving nearly 70 people.