45 saved from drowning in Dubai

Two people drowned in Dubai while 45 were saved, but suffered injuries, in the first seven months of the year, according to a top Dubai Police official.

Lt Col Ahmed Burqibah, Acting Director General of Dubai Police Search and Rescue Department told Emirates 24|7 that the majority of the victims ignored the ‘Red Flag’ warning and entered the sea either to swim or for water sports.

“We saw 30 different accidents since the beginning of the year till the end of July.

“The two people who died drowned on Eid Al Fitr were working with one of the construction companies in Dubai. “The company bus dropped off a large number of workers on their day off for Eid in an area which was not allocated for swimming. Two people drowned in the sea.”

Lt Col Burqibah added that of the 30 accidents, five were major, four involved moderate injuries and 36 were minor.

“Last year, three people drowned while one died due to an accident in the water. Last year there were 56 accidents in which 10 suffered major injuries, 12 medium and 44 minor injuries.”

He pointed out that number of victims has dropped noticeably in the past few years after both, Dubai Police and Dubai Municipality, allocated special areas for swimming and water sports.

“Allocating special areas for swimming helped a lot as we raise warning flags in bad weather conditions to prevent people from entering the sea.

“These areas also have lifeguards and a team from Dubai Police, which monitor the area and ensure of the safety of people on the beach.

“It is also good as in case of any drowning, it is easier for the rescue team to reach the victim, unlike other areas which are not allocated.”

Lt Col Burqibah added that very few ignore the warning. “And those are the ones who drown or get involved in accidents.”

Lt Col Burqibah gives the following advice before deciding to go swimming or for water sports:
 

1.       Check for the weather forecast and sea condition through news websites or Dubai Police website which posts it daily.

2.        Go only to the allocated areas for swimming.

3.       If the warning red flag is up, then don’t swim.

4.       Never go swimming alone. You must take someone with you so that In case of any accident the other person can call for help.

5.       Never leave children alone on the beach.

6.       Never take any medicine before going for a swim.

7.       Never swim near the break water areas or bridges.

8.       Never swim at night.

9.       Never enter the water directly after having a meal.

10.   If you see someone drowning, first call 999 for help.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.