Beterem Warns of Drowning Risk After Official Swimming Season Ends
Translated & summarized from Panet by baba
The official swimming season in Israel ended on October 26, 2024, with nine Arab children among 21 drowning victims this year, according to the Beterem safety organization. Arab victims represented 43% of the total, a rate significantly higher than their population share. Beterem warned that drowning risks continue after the season's end, especially with private pools and unsupervised beach swimming, urging parents to take precautions.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Nine Arab children drowned during Israel's official swimming season, which ended October 26, 2024.
- Arab victims constituted 43% of the 21 total drowning deaths this season.
- The Beterem organization warned of continued drowning risks after the official season's end.
- Drownings occurred in seas, private pools, hotels, rivers, and water reservoirs.
- Beterem urged parents with home pools to empty them and secure hotel pools.
- Rescue services have ceased operations on beaches until the 2027 season.
The official swimming season in Israel concludes on October 26, 2024, with rescue services ceasing operations on designated beaches until the 2027 season. The Beterem organization for child safety reported that nine Arab children under 17 drowned during this year's season. Overall, 21 drowning incidents occurred across the country during the season, with Arab victims constituting 43% of the total, a disproportionately high figure compared to their general population share. Jewish victims accounted for 11 incidents, or 52% of the total.
These nine drownings among Arab children occurred in various locations, including the sea, private swimming pools at homes and hotels, rivers, and water reservoirs. The victims included three children aged 0-4, two aged 5-9, two aged 10-14, and one aged 15-17.
Beterem cautioned that the end of the official season does not eliminate drowning risks, as many families own private pools, and people continue to visit hotels or guest houses with pools. Swimming also persists on beaches despite the absence of lifeguards. The organization stressed that entering the sea is prohibited without a lifeguard present. Beterem urged parents with home pools to empty them to prevent accidents and advised extra vigilance at accommodations with pools, recommending secure fencing and gates to prevent unsupervised child access.
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