Saudi Ministry of Health Urges Caution to Prevent Child Drownings

The Saudi Ministry of Health has issued a crucial advisory regarding swimming safety to reduce the risk of child drownings. The ministry is warning against complacency when it comes to families with non-swimming children, as this negligence has contributed to a distressing number of fatalities and injuries. Children, especially those residing in proximity to swimming pools and open water sources, are most vulnerable to drowning incidents.

In the past seven months, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed a concerning rise in swimming pool-related drownings, with a total of 275 reported cases. Among these, Riyadh accounted for 54 incidents, Makkah Al-Mukarramah had 95 cases, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah saw 19, and the Eastern Province recorded 31 cases. These statistics underscore the urgent need for heightened awareness and preventive measures to safeguard the lives of children and reduce such tragic incidents.