Seawater shows no mercy for negligence: 45 individuals meet untimely deaths by drowning
In a bid to improve water safety, authorities in Primorye, Russia, have implemented new regulations that apply to all water bodies in the region, not just beaches. This move is part of a broader effort to reduce the number of drownings, particularly among children.
The new law includes stricter rules such as the prohibition of children under 14 from swimming or being near water without adult supervision, even if they know how to swim. The regional authorities are also holding parents accountable for their children's safety near water.
To strengthen water safety regulations for children, the authorities could consider establishing more official designated safe swimming zones, equipped with thorough inspections and monitoring to ensure no hidden dangers exist. This approach is similar to the measures in nearby regions like Odessa, which has 32 inspected safe swimming zones.
Enhanced enforcement of swimming only in permitted areas and clearly communicating risks is also essential. Parents can help prevent drownings by practicing constant supervision, teaching children to swim and be aware of water safety, using flotation devices, being aware of silent drowning signs, choosing safe swimming locations, and limiting distractions.
The regional authorities have already taken steps to increase safety measures. Rescuers are conducting preventive measures in popular recreation areas, and the EMERCOM has provided an operational report detailing the increase in safety measures, including mass raids, creating mobile rescue posts, and enforcing water behavior rules.
Unfortunately, there have been 62 accidents on water bodies in Primorye since the beginning of the year, resulting in 45 deaths, including 10 children. In Vladivostok, drunken and overconfident men are more likely to drown.
To address this, the authorities have expanded their safety measures to include holding parents accountable for their children's safety near water. Facilities like the Primorie Grand Resort Hotel in Russia, which emphasize fenced pools for children, provide a good model for swimming pool safety infrastructure. Similar infrastructure improvements and specialized child-safe zones in public swimming areas could reduce accidental drowning risks further.
The number of beaches that have passed safety checks may change as more inspections are conducted. Currently, only 26 beaches in the region have passed checks for compliance with safety norms. In Primorye, parents of minors are now being held accountable for violating safe beach recreation rules.
In conclusion, stronger regulations should focus on official monitoring, safety zone designation, and hazard elimination, while parents should combine supervision, education, and safety equipment to prevent drownings, especially silent ones. Public awareness about silent drowning's subtle signs is critical for timely intervention.
- To improve water safety, authorities in Primorye have implemented new regulations that also apply to non-beach water bodies, with a significant focus on reducing drownings among children.
- The new law includes stricter rules such as prohibiting children under 14 from swimming or being near water without adult supervision, even if they know how to swim, and holding parents accountable for their children's safety near water.
- To further strengthen water safety for children, authorities could consider establishing more official designated safe swimming zones, equipped with thorough inspections and monitoring, like Odessa, which has 32 such zones.
- Enhanced enforcement of swimming only in permitted areas, communicating risks clearly, and parental practices such as constant supervision, teaching children to swim, using flotation devices, being aware of silent drowning signs, and choosing safe swimming locations can help prevent drownings.
