In celebration of International Drowning Prevention Day, a public awareness event took place at the Hulhumale' Phase One beach to emphasize the significance of preventing drowning incidents in the Maldives.

The primary goal of the event was to increase community awareness and decrease the number of fatalities resulting from drowning, a preventable public health concern that continues to impact families nationwide.

The global theme for this year, “Unite to Turn the Tide,” highlights the importance of collaboration among communities, institutions, and families to avert drowning incidents.

The event was launched by Geela Ali, the Minister of Health, Family and Welfare. The WHO Representative to the Maldives, Payden, was also in attendance, along with officials and personnel from government ministries, private firms, and associations.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) organized the event, which included participants from WHO, MV Swimming and Life Saving Training School, Maldives Red Crescent, MNDF, Hulhumale' Hospital, and the Maldives Police Service.

As stated by HPA, the activities encompassed hands-on exercises on drowning rescue and first aid, designed to educate the public, particularly children, on how to act in emergencies. Details were also shared regarding essential safety precautions parents should adhere to when their children visit the beach or swimming pools.

Organizers highlighted that drowning is preventable when prompt precautions are implemented and safety guidelines are adhered to. Officials recommended that parents make sure their children learn swimming early, heed weather alerts, and consistently go to the beach with a responsible adult.