Fewer cases of drowning recorded last year

A survey published by the Directorate of Border Guards has revealed that 54 people — 42 of them male and 12 female — drowned off the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts in 2013. This was a 24 percent decline from the previous year. The survey said that 242 rescue cases were recorded last year, compared with 260 in 2012.
The survey also revealed 24 drowning incidents in the Makkah region, seven in Tabuk, five in Jazan and four in Asir, while there were 11 drowning incidents in the Arabian Gulf in the Eastern Province.
Adm. Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, spokesperson of the General Directorate of Border Guards, said that most of the casualties and rescue operations took place in areas where swimming is banned with warning signs.
“This has made the directorate double up its awareness campaigns in the area,” he said.
“These campaigns contributed to reducing the incidents of drowning. In addition, lifeguards were deployed on beaches, especially during holiday seasons.”
Al-Ghamdi stressed the importance of adhering to coastal and marine safety guidelines and calling 994 in case of emergency.