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Public urged to be 'vigilant' as VI observed World Drowning Prevention Day

- World Drowning Prevention Day observed July 25, 2022
The Virgin Islands observed World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, 2022, when the public was encouraged to remain vigilant in activities on, in and around the Territory's waters. Photo: blog.cinfin.com
World Drowning Prevention Day was observed under the theme: 'Anyone can drown, no one should' Photo: GIS
World Drowning Prevention Day was observed under the theme: 'Anyone can drown, no one should' Photo: GIS
Chief Fire Officer Zebalon A. McLean said an estimated 236,000 people drown every year, making drowning a major public health problem worldwide. Photo: VINO/File
Chief Fire Officer Zebalon A. McLean said an estimated 236,000 people drown every year, making drowning a major public health problem worldwide. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Virgin Islands observed World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, 2022, when the public was encouraged to remain vigilant in activities on, in and around the Territory's waters.

This encouragement was given by Chief Fire Officer of the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service, Mr Zebalon A. McLean.

“It is important to note that drowning can happen quickly and silently. Our Territory’s lifeguards are often faced with the tremendous responsibility of patrolling the Virgin Islands beaches, all the while monitoring crowds of residents and visitors. I join with the Territory’s lifeguards in the observance of World Drowning Prevention Day,” Mr McLean said.

'Anyone can drown, no one should'

The Chief said the theme for this year’s observance is, “Anyone can drown, no one should” and that an estimated 236,000 people drown every year, making drowning a major public health problem worldwide.

Chief McLean urged persons to never overestimate their swimming ability and the ability of others; Respect the power and inconsistency of water movements; Monitor young adults and children; and not be distracted.

The Chief also invited the public to mark World Drowning Prevention Day by recognising the need for proven measures such as teaching swimming, water safety and safe rescue skills; Training bystanders in safe rescue and resuscitation; Enforcing safe boating, shipping and ferry regulations.

World Drowning Prevention Day, was declared in April 2021 by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/75/273, and is observed annually on July 25.

This global advocacy serves as an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and to offer life-saving solutions to prevent this tragedy.

3 Responses to “Public urged to be 'vigilant' as VI observed World Drowning Prevention Day”

  • malone (31/07/2022, 17:11) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply

    Yall need fix the blasted country thats going to sh** and stop studying these foolish things. The powerful tolans dont give a flying.... about this place,yall abuse even your own and then point the attention to the outsiders who here working hard in this depleted place yall call home. Most outsiders here for just the money which yall foolishly waste on sports cars and benz to drive on some of the worst roads in the caribbean, yall should be ashame to say your from a lalaland where sewage still flows in the gutters. A message to the tolans (make tortola great again!!!!!!!)

  • ... (31/07/2022, 17:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pure talk what about some government sponsored swimming lessons
  • Oohhh. Boii (31/07/2022, 19:11) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    We had a number of sea water related deaths in Tortola over the past 2-3 years

    Were they out swimming and drown OR were they “ drowned”

    The street is saying RVIPF needs to be investigated in at least 2 of these


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