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Less drowning incidents in Dubai, says official

Dubai - From 35 drowning incidents in the first seven months of 2016, the number is down to 9 this year

The number of deaths and accidents in marine areas have considerably reduced, according to a senior official of Dubai Police.
Brigadier Abdul Qader Al Bannai, director of the Port Police Station, said that in the last seven months, there were six deaths and three injuries in nine drowning accidents, which is a huge drop compared to 35 accidents resulting in 29 deaths and six injuries during the same period, last year. The accidents occurred mostly due to the disregard of warning signs and swimming in unauthorised places.
He also said the Port Police Station concluded its awareness campaign for mariners under the slogan 'Prevention and reduction of drowning accidents'. The campaign focused on important preventive measures in swimming and the steps required to avoid drowning.
Brigadier Al Bannai said the campaign lasted for a week at all beaches in Dubai. Leaflets distributed as part of the campaign contained security instructions for beach visitors such as checking the weather and sea condition and following safety instructions along the beaches. They also distributed gifts to beach visitors. About 62 volunteers from public administrations, police stations and government agencies in Dubai attended the concluding ceremony of the campaign.
amira@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai