NATIONAL AMBULANCE RAISES AWARENESS OF WATER SAFETY AND DROWNING PREVENTION

Abu Dhabi, 5 August 2022: National Ambulance is raising awareness of water safety to highlight the importance of being safe around water and prevent drowning. National Ambulance responded to more than 194 drowning related incidents in swimming pools and beaches in 2021 throughout the Northern Emirates. The water safety messages will be distributed on digital platforms and across media channels to inform the public how families can safely enjoy their summer in the water.

This initiative is part of National Ambulance’s ‘Summer Safety’ campaign launched last month to raise public awareness about the importance of safety precautions during the summer season to ensure people are prepared to identify, prevent and deal with common summer-related emergencies. 

Ahmed Al Hajeri, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Drowning is among the leading causes of unintentional death in the UAE, and most of these incidents are preventable. It’s vital we continue to raise awareness of swimming and water safety rules and drowning prevention tips that can keep everyone safer in, near and around the water. Simple steps like watching kids at all times, learning to swim, pairing with someone when swimming, wearing life jackets and never swimming against a rip current or jumping in to rescue someone can drastically reduce the risk of drowning.”

National Ambulance urges the public to follow top preventive tips to protect themselves in, near and around water and enjoy a safe summer:

• Be cautious and follow safety instructions around the pool and beach.
• Learn to swim and never swim alone
• Check the weather forecast to ensure swimming in safe weather conditions
• Swim at designated areas only
• Do not enter the water if the red flag is raised
• Only swim when a lifeguard is present
• Wear a life jacket if you or your child are participating in water activities
• Always keep an eye on children and ensure they are wearing a life jacket when they are in or around water. One second of distraction can cost a life!
• Always go into the water feet first and check its depth before diving.
• Do not run around the pool
• If you feel tired, cold or hot while swimming, get out of water and take a break in a safe shaded area.
• If you are caught in a rip current, do not swim against it but swim parallel to shore instead.
• Never jump to save someone who is drowning or needs help in the water. Alert the lifeguard and call 999/997 for rescue and 998 for the ambulance. You can provide help by throwing them a life ring or using a long object like a stick to pull them to safety.
• If you find yourself struggling in the water, do not panic in order to conserve your energy. Shout for help and float on your back to keep your head above water until help arrives.

National Ambulance provides urgent pre-hospital care in the Northern Emirates which can be requested through the dedicated 998 emergency ambulance number and NA 998 mobile application. With an advanced fleet and qualified medics, National Ambulance serves the public on the frontline providing high-quality, appropriate care for serious illness and injuries across the Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah.