Kayakers are being urged to ensure they are in top condition before paddling in the kingdom’s waters, as well as checking to see if weather is ideal or not for the sport.
Speaking on the Al Aman show on social media, Hidd Police Station head Colonel Dr Osama Bahar stated that kayakers should take all necessary precautions to avoid a tragic outcome.
This comes after three separate incidents – one where a nine-year-old boy was saved after he fell from a kayak while with his father, and another one where a mother and two children had fallen off a stand up paddleboard and two more children fell from a kayak.
“Kayaking is a water sport that requires the strength and energy to match the size of the kayak,” said Col Dr Bahar.
“Before kayaking, check the wind speed, either from an application or by calling the Meteorological Directorate.
“Ensure you are with a group that matches your skill and fitness level and stay with them.
“Do not go out into the open sea. Stay in the designated area that has no currents.”
Col Dr Bahar
Col Dr Bahar also asked kayakers to take all precautions possible before even stepping into their kayak in order to ensure a smooth and fun experience for all.
“Keep your phone in the car and do not be reckless with it,” he said.
“Too many times, we have heard cases of people’s phones being lost at sea.
“If you cannot swim or have underlying conditions, inform the kayaking company or group, and have them leave someone with you during the activity, just in case.
“Most importantly, put your life jacket on at all times.”
Earlier this week, a nine-year-old boy who fell from a kayak while rowing with his father in Bahrain Bay was rescued by the Coastguard. He is in good health, said an Interior Ministry statement.
A few days later, two lifeguards rescued a mother and two children who fell off a stand up paddleboard in deep water and two other children who fell off of a kayak.
The lifeguards were supervising a beach and noticed the mother and children had fallen off and were struggling to stay afloat outside the supervision zone.
As they were returning the family to the beach, they spotted two other children had also fallen off a kayak and were drowning.
Royal Life Saving Bahrain (RLSB) general manager Sam Rahman praised the swift response from the lifeguards, saving five lives that day.
Mr Rahman
“Their quick thinking and action without a doubt saved their lives and we are incredibly proud of their swift actions,” he said.
“Most concerning is that none of the people were confident swimmers and none of them were wearing a lifejacket.
“This incident underscores the important and incredible job that lifeguards do to ensure the safety of the public at beaches across the country.
The lifeguards who rescued five lives in a matter of minutes
“So far this year our lifeguards have completed more than 150 rescues, and performed thousands of preventative actions to stop accidents and incidents escalating to an emergency.
“It is important to ensure that everyone taking part is safe.
“Companies hiring this equipment have a responsibility to provide correctly fitting lifejackets, supervision and clear instructions to participants to prevent accidents such as this one from occurring.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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