Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 15: With the cases of drowning on the rise for the last few days across Kashmir, resulting in the death of several individuals, J&K State Emergency Operation Centre today issued several guidelines to be followed while swimming.
It said that unless precautions are taken while swimming, it can result in drowning. “The general public, including parents, are requested to kindly adhere to the following safety tips while swimming, so that drowning incidents can be prevented and precious lives saved,” it read.
The SOPs stated: inspect the water body properly, before swimming and always enter the water slowly, with feet first. “Always swim parallel to the shore and not away from it; enter the water, where adequate supervision and rescue cover is available; be aware of the underwater hazards; elders should keep constant visual contact with children when they are swimming; a responsible adult should always be nearby who knows how to swim,” the SOPs issued read.
It has also been advised to keep a rope, life jacket, lifebuoy or improvised floatation device, like a car tube, available for rescue purposes.
As per the SOPs, the people have been advised not to venture into the water unless one knows swimming.
“Don’t swim alone, especially if you are not an experienced swimmer; don’t dive into the water or push someone, into the water; never jump from higher levels into the flowing stream, river, or dam; don’t swim, if you have any ailments; don’t enter fast-flowing water; never swim under bridges, dams, or water bodies that are under construction; don’t exhaust yourself while swimming as it can lead to drowning; don’t swim at the confluence of two rivers or streams, as the current may be faster with dangerous under-currents which is difficult even for experienced swimmers,” the SOPs issued read.
Also, people have been advised not to swim during thunderstorms and lightning.
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