A FRESH warning has gone out following the drowning of a 14-year-old Bahraini boy in a waterway in Adhari.
The teenager had been missing since Sunday and was found dead on Monday night.
Many citizens paid condolences to the boy’s family on social media and scores of people attended his burial at Tubli Cemetery yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry yesterday urged citizens and residents to take extra precautions as swimming pools gain popularity during summer.
It stressed the importance of monitoring children – whether inside or near swimming pools – while ensuring they are not left alone.
As previously reported, the Capital Governorate Police said initial findings indicate drowning as the cause of death, while a forensic evaluation revealed no injuries or any evidence of violence or resistance.
Though no details are available of how the boy drowned, or if he was with anyone, experts called for caution.
“Drowning happens very quickly – in as little as 20 seconds among young children – and is typically silent,” Royal Life Saving Bahrain (RLSB) general manager Sam Rahman told the GDN yesterday.
“This is why it is important to ensure that children are properly supervised in and around water.
“Children aged under five should be within arm’s reach of an adult at all times and children under 10 must be clearly visible.”
With around 50 per cent of the population – both children and adults – lacking an ability to swim, learning basic swimming and water safety skills is critical, he said, stressing the importance of families swimming at locations where there are lifeguards.
“Discussing water safety with children is also really important and free advice is available to download from our website,” added Mr Rahman.
Meanwhile, occupational health and safety consultant Dr Maha Al Shehab stressed the importance of ensuring children are supervised at pools and beaches at all times and paying special attention to individuals with medical conditions.
She also added that the presence of lifeguards or individuals equipped with first-aid skills was critical to prevent fatal accidents or emergencies while ensuring pools are gated in private homes to ensure children don’t have easy access.
“Drowning happens within seconds, especially among young children, and they should never be left alone in bodies of water. Attaining basic swimming skills is a necessity for all individuals,” said Dr Al Shehab.
“First-aid skills are also necessary and this training is available across Bahrain in various venues so I urge people to take these courses because they can save lives in the event of emergencies.
“Those going into pools must take into account that if they can’t swim they should wear a life jacket and refrain from jokes and challenges because they could end in tragedies.
“It’s critical to raise awareness about water safety because drowning is entirely preventable and in all cases, don’t get into a pool alone – whether as an adult or a child – because you never know what might happen.”
reem@gdnmedia.bh
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