Dramatic Increase In Drowning Incidents this Season

Hundreds of thousands of youths will soon be on summer vacation and will then visit the country's beaches and pools. According to MDA's statistics, since the beginning of the summer season May 9th, they were called to treat 99 people suffering from water related accidents- 14 of them fatal. This is in stark contrast to the same time period last year in which they cared for 44 individuals- 10 of which died.

In light of these facts MDA has decided to remind everyone of the necessary water safety rules.

One may only swim at beaches or in pools that have a life guard. If you have come to the beach after the life guard has already left- do not enter the water!
Always stay in site of the life guard. Remember- if you can't see them – they can't see you either.

Never play dangerous games such as pretend drowning. Never jump on someone in the water. Never dive into murky waters were you are not be able to see what's under the surface. Do not run around the edge of a pool.

Know your abilities. If you friends are able to swim further out than you are do not join them in you cannot safely keep up.

If you get tired get out of the water, drink and rest.

Do not swim near piers- they can cause dangerous undertows.

Never allow young children unattended near any body of water. Remember it only takes a few moments for someone to drown.

If someone is found struggling in the water:

1 ) Remove them from the water without putting your own life at risk. Call 101.
2) Listen to the instructions of the EMT's .

3) If the victim is not breathing place him on his back far away from the water. Perform chest rubs until help arrives.

4)It is recommended to have anyone who nearly drowned evaluated in a hospital.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!