NIOSH urges authorities to promote water safety awareness

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) urged relevant agencies and authorities to beef up safety at beaches throughout the country in view of the growing number of deaths by drowning each year.

Its chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said, according to the Fire and Rescue Department, the number of drownings recorded in 2011 was 303.

"Recently I met up with the President of the Life Saving Society of Malaysia to discuss the matter and I am pleased to note that the society has proposed the establishment of a National Water Safety Council to assist the government in reducing the incidence of drowning in Malaysia and promote a water safety culture," Lee said in a statement here, Sunday.

Lee said, relevant agencies and authorities have a role to promote water safety awareness in a holistic and comprehensive manner, to encourage and enhance swimming proficiency, ensure timely aid and quick response by civil defence, and also to determine appropriate water safety signage in places such as holiday resorts, hotel pools, waterfalls and disused mining ponds.

Lee emphasised that raising public awareness through education campaigns on water safety, and safe practice during water activities were essential to minimise drownings.

"Making safe decisions about water-related sports and other activities as well as to appropriately manage water-related hazards are among the prevention strategies that can be adopted," he said. - Bernama

Source : The Star