KUCHING: The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) is committed to advocating awareness on water safety to society at large. Its director Khirudin Drahman said this was in view of the increasing number of deaths due to drowning.
“Up till the month of September, a total of 196 cases of drowning were recorded statewide, which is higher compared to fire victim cases which only recorded 93 people during the same period.
“It is hoped that this water safety programme will provide awareness, early preventive measures and know-how to the participants,” he said when officiating at the closing ceremony of a water safety programme at a resort in Sematan recently.
Also present was Tanjung Datu assemblywoman Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu. He added that most victims were visitors or outsiders who were unfamiliar with the area.
He said most drowning incidents occurred in rivers, beaches, lakes, mines, waterfalls and even sewers.
Although there are warning signs installed, there are visitors who are negligent and fail to adhere to the warnings.
He suggested that safety measures such as providing safety equipment like jackets, floats and basic medical kits should be considered as a necessity when carrying out water activities.
Khirudin said people should practise self-care regardless of time and place.
