News
Unsafe bathing spots claim a spate of holidaymakers over Vesak
View(s):By Jayanie Madawala
Failure to follow advice of villagers and lifesavers as well as bathing in unknown locations have been the main causes for the increase in drowning cases in the Vesak season, police said.
On Tuesday alone 10 cases of drowning were reported. In most the victims had bathed in unknown locations or in rough seas where villagers usually do not bathe. Most of the victims were children and youngsters.
Four youths were drowned off Nainamaduwa in Wennappuwa. Pic by Hiran Priyankara
On Tuesday, two girls from Ratnapura and Meerigama aged 12 and 17 drowned while bathing in the Palukadawala Lake in Galgamuwa, Kurunegala. They had gone swimming in the lake while visiting a relative’s house.
Another incident was reported where four youths were drowned when a group of six ventured to the sea, when they were carried away by waves off Nainamaduwa in Wennappuwa. Two out of the six youths were saved by the fishermen and the bodies of the two of who drowned got washed ashore later.
Villagers said that they were warned against bathing in the particular area as the sea is rough, but the warnings were ignored.
In another incident reported from Puttalam, one person died of drowning in Willuwa.
In Nilaveli in Trincomalee one person, a resident of Bakamuna, drowned. In Negombo a person from Kalagedihena also died of drowning. A 40-year-old man has drowned at Nelum Wewa in Sevanagala.
Meanwhile a total of five persons were swept away by strong currents while bathing in the Deduru Oya in a tragic incident, Police said. However, they were rescued later on.
The Police Lifeguard Unit said that drownings often increase during holidays such as Vesak holidays when people tend to travel to unfamiliar locations, usually beaches, leading to bathing in unsafe areas.
This is particularly the case during school vacations, when drowning rates get higher.
Many drownings occur at beaches, rivers, and streams where people are unaware of the potential dangers like strong currents, rip currents, or the presence of submerged obstacles.
Ignoring warnings, entering unknown waters, or swimming under the consumption of alcohol can result in drowning incidents.
Preventative actions have been brought forward in order to minimise tragedies. People are advised to be aware of the characteristics of water bodies before venturing.
To maintain safety, precautionary boards are being erected at downing-prone areas.
Nonetheless two individuals were arrested recently by the Panadura police station for ignoring lifeguard instructions against venturing into unsafe waters.
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