Lifeguard warnings against drowning risk

In Van, where two brothers who entered the lake to cool off drowned on August 16, Yavuz Sancak, a diver from the AFAD Surface and Underwater Search and Rescue Team, and Kadir Erekinci, a diving instructor and underwater search and rescue expert, made life-saving suggestions to citizens to prevent drowning cases and prevent sad events from occurring.

Stating that they took part in search and rescue works and drowning cases in Van and surrounding provinces, Sancak stated that the teams continue to work to respond quickly to the events in the coasts around Lake Van and the rivers and rivers in the region.

Stating that they are trying to take preventive and informative measures to prevent drowning incidents by forming commissions in the districts bordering the lake, under the coordination of district governorships and with the participation of relevant institutions, Sancak emphasized that the attention of citizens on this issue is much more important than the measures taken.

Stating that citizens should be more careful in order to prevent drowning cases in the summer months, Sancak said, "We especially ask our citizens who cannot swim, not to enter waters whose depth and current they do not know. Safe and controlled beaches with lifeguard service should be preferred as much as possible. Especially families with small children have a great responsibility. Our children should never be left alone at the waterside and should be kept under constant supervision. Unfortunately, it may not be possible to compensate for an incident that may occur at the waterside." he said.

Stating that safety should be prioritized when entering the water, Sancak said, "We go on duty to intervene in an average of four or five drowning cases per month, and the results of our missions are generally sad. I would like to appeal to all our citizens once again, please prioritize the safety of yourself and your loved ones when entering the water. Do not enter waters that you do not know and are not sure of their safety. Do not leave our children alone at the waterside and prefer areas with lifeguard service as much as possible. Our hope is that no citizen loses their life this summer and "It is important that we do not encounter these sad events again. If we are more careful together, we can prevent many painful events." made his assessment.

Diving instructor and underwater search and rescue expert Kadir Erekinci stated that he worked as a diving supervisor in the Gendarmerie Underwater Search and Rescue Team for 26 years.

Stating that he has taken part in many drowning cases at home and abroad and has given special training, Erekinci said, "When people enter the water to cool off, they can unknowingly get caught in the currents. Since there is no experience, they start to drift with those currents and panic begins. After the panic, drowning occurs. People try to intervene when they see someone drowning. This is actually a very good thing, but we definitely do not recommend that people who are inexperienced and do not have enough experience and knowledge do this." he said.

Source: TRT Haber Yaşam RSS (Open Press / Translated Full Text)