NATURE’S wonders often present us with four essential components of life: soil, water, fire, and wind.
While these elements offer great benefits to our existence, they also pose significant threats to life, property, and the environment if not properly understood and managed.
As individuals within a community, it is paramount that we adopt a proactive approach, encapsulated by the principles of the 3Ps, namely precaution, prevention, and protection.
The timeless wisdom of Roman General Flavius Vegetius Renatus encapsulated in the phrase “si vis pacem, parabellum”, which translates to “if you want peace, prepare for war’, resonates strongly even today.
This saying underscores the necessity of readiness and preparedness in mitigating the dangers posed by unsafe acts, behaviours, and conditions.
Recent incidents, particularly drowning cases resulting from water-related negligence, serve as poignant reminders of our collective vulnerability to natural elements.
From 2018 to March of the current year, the State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba Sarawak) has responded to a staggering 313 cases of drowning.
What makes these figures even more alarming is the fact that eight cases have already been reported in the first three months of this year alone.
Tragically, the majority of these incidents have resulted in loss of life.
Among the victims, a staggering 284 were men, highlighting a particularly vulnerable demographic.
Additionally, 37 elderly men have fallen victim to these tragic accidents, which underscores the importance of targeted safety measures and education for individuals of all ages.
These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
While the figures may seem daunting, they also provide valuable insights.
To prevent such tragedies, communities must diligently prepare and educate themselves on safety measures.
Like fire safety, education emerges as a powerful tool in instilling knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes towards life safety within communities.
By providing educational resources, conducting training sessions, and organising awareness campaigns, Bomba Sarawak has empowered individuals with the tools they need to make informed decisions and take appropriate action in water-related emergencies.
Despite these efforts, there remains a concerning lack of seriousness among some riverine communities regarding water safety during risky activities.
This indifference can have dire consequences, as evidenced by the alarming number of drowning cases reported each year.
Communities must recognise the inherent dangers associated with water activities and take proactive measures to mitigate risks.
One of the key components of fostering a culture of safety is recognising our human limitations in aquatic environments.
Unlike fish or water creatures, humans are not naturally adapted to life in water.
As such, individuals must approach water-related activities with a mindset of caution and preparedness.
This includes understanding the potential hazards, knowing how to swim, wearing appropriate safety gear, and being aware of emergency procedures.
Media reports frequently highlight a spectrum of livelihoods affected by water-related tragedies, emphasising the universal nature of the risk.
Whether one is an experienced fisherman, swimmer, rescuer, authority figure, or expert diver, adherence to safety protocols is non-negotiable.
However, the recurrence of such incidents suggests a failure to internalise past lessons, thus emphasising the need for continuous education and awareness efforts.
Over the years, Bomba Sarawak has administered various initiatives such as the National Water Safety Council (MKAA), which plays a crucial role in reminding the public to exercise vigilance during water-related activities.
This includes the adoption of precautionary measures and adherence to safety guidelines, especially in dynamic aquatic environments.
Furthermore, fostering a positive mindset and attitude shift is essential in creating a culture of safety within communities.
Empowered individuals equipped with knowledge and skills not only safeguard their own lives but also contribute to the collective safety of others.
The cultivation of community champions or local actors capable of responding effectively to incidents is instrumental in minimising their impact.
However, it is imperative to distinguish between genuine community engagement and opportunistic behaviour.
Proactive involvement should precede incidents rather than merely reacting to them.
Building resilient communities requires unwavering commitment, perseverance, and collaboration among government entities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and community stakeholders.
Bomba Sarawak’s structured community safety programmes are pivotal in establishing robust local response systems, aligning with recommendations from reports such as the World Disasters Report 2015.
Collaborative efforts involving the state government, its government-linked corporations (GLCs), NGOs, and communities are indispensable in realising this vision of enhanced community safety and resilience.
By working together, we can proactively mitigate risks, safeguard lives, and build a safer future for all.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
