Coast

Authorities caution against unsupervised swimming in Kwale

Locals at the Saturday Baraza in Tiwi,Kwale County. (Mishi Gongo)

By Mishi Gongo | Saturday, April 13, 2024

The chief cautioned residents and holidaymakers visiting Kwale in December to remain vigilant, as incidents of children drowning or being swept away in the ocean tend to increase during this period.

The government has issued a warning to parents, urging them to prevent their children from swimming unsupervised in the ocean and rivers during the holiday season to prevent drowning incidents.

Addressing the public during a baraza in Tiwi, Kwale County, Chief Nassor Kuphuma emphasised the dangers of swimming in the ocean due to strong currents caused by weather changes across the country.

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He cautioned both residents and holidaymakers visiting Kwale in December to remain vigilant, as incidents of children drowning or being swept away in the ocean tend to increase during this period.

"We must avoid a repeat of last December's tragedy, where we lost a child to drowning in a river," he said, referring to a 10-year-old who drowned while visiting relatives at the Coast last year.

Kuphuma highlighted that several cases of children being swept away had been reported the previous year, cautioning the parents of the risks posed by newly formed streams after heavy rains.

Children, he noted, often misjudge the depth and speed of such streams, leading to tragic accidents.

"The children cannot predict the depth of these streams and how fast the water is moving; following this, they end up drowning or getting swept away. Let's take good care of our children," he warned.

The Chief assigned responsibility to residents and lifeguards stationed at sea shows to ensure the safety of visitors to the region. "Our treatment of guests visiting the area significantly impacts our tourism sector," he said.

To bolster security, Kuphuma assured residents that additional measures would be implemented at seashores, with lifeguards and the Red Cross on standby for emergencies.

Furthermore, he urged Tiwi residents to boil water from rivers before use to prevent waterborne diseases like cholera, bilharzia, and diarrhoea. Addressing sanitation concerns, he emphasised the need for proper toilet facilities to prevent health risks associated with human and animal waste disposal.

"Many residents still resort to relieving themselves in the bushes," he noted.