Drowning tragedies

Each summer there are several shocking drowning tragedies involving ordinary men, women and children along Karachi’s beaches. This season has seen more than a fair share of tragedies – the last three of which occurred within the space of a month and claimed more than 20 lives. Up to a dozen lives were lost in the latest incident at Hawkesbay beach. All the victims, aged between 12 and 50, belonged to one large extended family. As it is with most cases of drowning, the seduction that the cool waters of Hawkesbay or any other beach for that matter offer in the heat of summer proves just too overpowering and deadly. It all began with an innocent request from two youths who wanted to take one last dip. The entire family had been cautioned several times by lifeguards against swimming in the sea but the warnings were ignored. And when high tide pulled the two youngsters in, other members of the family leapt to their rescue but were sucked in by the waves as well.  Water is indeed a good friend but at times a deadly enemy.

Drowning is an important public health problem in Pakistan and elsewhere. Parents and care-givers are required to learn basic lifesaving and first-aid skills and administer the same when needed. Without emergency first-aid, most advanced life support techniques are useless. It makes eminent sense also to raise community awareness for drowning prevention and enhanced risk perception. The authorities have seen it fit to impose Section 144 on beaches and in the coastal areas of Sindh on account of rough seas but they have failed to enforce the ban on swimming or dissuade people from risking their lives. Picnickers routinely ignore their messages of warning. Robust action must be taken to enhance safety while ensuring that water environments are beneficial for adults and children alike. Beach management agencies must be empowered to take suitable action and implement strategies to protect people from hazards.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2017.

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