Don't leave kids alone as they hit the waves, warn Abu Dhabi Police

Abu Dhabi - Keeping a constant eye on them is important to avert accidents

Don't leave your children unattended while they swim in the sea or play at the beaches, Abu Dhabi Police have warned parents.
In a statement, they highlighted the importance of keeping a constant eye on the kids as they hit the waves. Failure to adequately monitor the children can expose them to danger, the police pointed out. "Families should not allow children enter the seawater without the supervision of an adult to avoid the risks of drowning."
"Parents should not get distracted by phones or other things while at the beach," said the police, adding that the best way to prevent an accident is by not allowing children to be alone in the sea or at the beach.
Police averred that a child could drown in just a few minutes without being noticed. "Unfortunately, most cases of drownings at the beaches are mainly due to negligence of family and lack of swimming skills," they said.
The force also stressed the importance of providing children with swimming vests or life jackets, if required.
Shun restricted zones
Families have been advised to stay in areas where there are rescue platforms or lifeguards and to adhere to the safety warning signs on the beaches, and not to swim in deep areas of the sea to avoid drowning accidents.
Beach-goers have also been told to follow instructions, avoid swimming at night or in the early morning hours.
"Swimmers should shun areas in the sea with high waves and strong currents," said the police. "Some people swim in the restricted areas of the sea despite warnings and erected red flags."
Police said sometimes lifeguards warn beach-goers not to swim because of certain weather conditions or other reasons, but people ignore them and venture into the water.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com 

• Abu Dhabi