World Drowning Prevention Day today is a timely reminder for all of us in Bahrain to think about water safety.
As an island nation, the sea is part of our daily life. We swim, fish, sail and spend weekends at beaches and pools. With water so close to us, it makes sense to use this international day to renew our commitment to keeping families safe.
Bahrain has already taken important steps in this area. The Civil Defence, Health Ministry, Education Ministry and Bahrain Red Crescent Society regularly run awareness campaigns, swimming programmes and first-aid training. Schools include water safety in activities, and many hotels, clubs and compounds have lifeguards and clear safety rules. The efforts of municipalities to maintain public beaches and instal safety signage are also appreciated. These measures have helped create a culture where safety is taken seriously.
On World Drowning Prevention Day, we can build on this good work by focusing on a few simple, practical actions that benefit everyone.
1. Continue promoting swimming and supervision skills: Learning to swim is one of the best ways to prevent drowning. Many private swim schools and clubs in Bahrain already offer excellent programmes for children and adults. It would be helpful to see more community-based and school holiday programmes made accessible to all families. At the same time, we can remind parents and caregivers that active supervision is key. Drowning can happen quietly and quickly, so keeping eyes on children in pools, at the beach, and even near bathtubs makes a big difference.
2. Support safety at beaches and public facilities: Our public beaches, corniches and hotel pools are well used, especially during summer. It is encouraging to see lifeguards on duty at many locations and safety equipment in place. Continuing to ensure consistent coverage, clear multilingual signs, and regular maintenance of rescue equipment will help both residents and visitors feel safe. Private facilities can also share best practices so standards remain high across the kingdom.
3. Encourage community training: Basic first aid and CPR training is valuable for everyone. The courses offered by departments concerned are a great resource. If more coaches, teachers, supervisors and families take part, we build a wider network of people who can respond quickly in an emergency. Employers can also support workers who spend time on boats or near water by providing life jackets and basic safety briefings.
For families, the message is simple and familiar: supervise children at all times around water, teach children to swim, use life jackets when boating or fishing, and keep pool areas fenced and secure. If you see someone in difficulty, call 999 and follow the guidance of trained responders.
World Drowning Prevention Day is not about fear. It is about respect for the water and confidence through preparation. Bahrain’s connection to the sea is part of our heritage, from pearling to fishing to recreation. By combining the good work already being done by authorities with everyday actions by individuals and communities, we can ensure that our waters remain a safe place for everyone to enjoy.
Let this July 25 be an opportunity to check our home pool gates, book a swimming lesson, share a safety tip with neighbours, and thank the lifeguards and first responders who help keep us safe. Small steps, repeated often, prevent tragedies.
Niyas Abdullah
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