Muscat – Royal Oman Police (ROP) has cautioned families across the sultanate about the potentially fatal risks of leaving children unattended near water – whether at swimming pools, beaches or even small water features at home. A brief moment of distraction, ROP cautioned, can end in tragedy. In an official statement, ROP stressed that children’s […]
Muscat – Royal Oman Police (ROP) has cautioned families across the sultanate about the potentially fatal risks of leaving children unattended near water – whether at swimming pools, beaches or even small water features at home. A brief moment of distraction, ROP cautioned, can end in tragedy.
In an official statement, ROP stressed that children’s safety is a shared responsibility, starting with parents and guardians remaining constantly alert. It noted that most drowning incidents occur during momentary lapses in supervision, often in familiar environments such as the home or recreational areas.
‘Drowning is silent,’ ROP stated. ‘A child may seem to be playing, while in fact they may already be in danger. We urge parents not to lower their guard – even in shallow water.’
Echoing ROP’s message, social worker Dr Bader al Maamari emphasised the fact that water holds a natural appeal for children, but also poses hidden dangers. He pointed out that drowning can happen in less than five minutes, often without a sound or cry for help, underscoring the need for constant adult supervision.
“Many incidents occur while adults are briefly distracted – whether by mobile phones or casual conversations,” he said. “Families need to build a stronger culture of safety, especially during holidays or visits to resorts and farms, where children are more likely to be near water without proper oversight.”
Maamari also highlighted the importance of early education on water safety, encouraging families to teach children not to enter the water without permission and to stay away from pools unless accompanied by an adult.
ROP urged households to install barriers or covers around pools, ensure children learn basic swimming and survival skills, and keep rescue equipment and first-aid kits within easy reach.
Despite regular awareness campaigns, several drowning incidents continue to be recorded every year – many of them preventable. Experts have warned that in these situations, a few seconds can mean the difference between life and death.
According to Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, the number of reported drowning cases fell sharply to 166 in 2023, compared to 324 in 2022 – a reduction of 48.7 per cent.
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