Sunday 13 / July / 2025
MUSCAT: Oman witnessed a staggering 300 percent increase in drowning accidents in 2024 compared to previous year, signalling a worrying public safety crisis that seems to rise during the summer months.
Data released by the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) reveal that drowning incidents surged to 639 cases in 2024, a sharp rise from 166 cases reported in 2023 — an increase of 473 accidents within a year.
This troubling trend continues a pattern seen in recent years. In 2022, the Sultanate registered 324 accidents while in 2021, Oman recorded 521 drowning accidents, up from 361 in 2020.
The summer months are particularly hazardous, as many residents and visitors flock to wadis, beaches, and other natural water bodies to escape the heat and enjoy the Sultanate’s scenic outdoors.
Most drowning incidents in 2024 occurred in wadis, which topped the list, followed by seas, waterways, dams, ponds, wells, open reservoirs, and valley streams formed by rainfall. Many victims were adults and children lacking proper swimming skills, often swimming in unsafe or undesignated areas such as agricultural ponds and dams.
Authorities attribute the rise in accidents to several factors, including poor swimming ability, swimming in prohibited areas, lack of supervision — especially of children — and risky rescue attempts that sometimes result in multiple drownings.
The CDAA stresses the importance of adhering to safety regulations: swim only in designated and equipped areas, ensure pools have fixed ladders and metal handles, provide lifebuoys and swimming vests, avoid filling pools completely when children are swimming, and always maintain adult supervision.
In emergencies, the public is urged to contact the emergency number 9999 or the CDAA operations centre at 24343666 immediately.
Experts warn that vigilance is crucial to prevent further tragedies.
Speaking to Times of Oman. Associate Head Coach of Nautilus Swimming Club and an Olympic coach, Daniil Tulupov, said, “What we witnessed is that many adults do not know how to swim. Even if they are supervising kids, they are not able to help.”
Daniil also said that the parents must always monitor their children themselves, not entrust their safety to older children, and never leave a child near water unattended, even for a few minutes.
“Additionally, it is essential to use not only children’s flotation devices but also so-called armbands. During swimming, it is advisable to wear brighter swimsuits so that they are easily visible against the water’s background. Furthermore, it is crucial to protect the head from sunlight and to ensure adequate hydration to prevent heat stroke while in the water,” he said.
Experts also said that they should always supervise children near water and swim only in safe, designated locations.
“Check the flow of water before crossing wadis, and ensure you can swim before entering any body of water. Avoid areas where water levels rise suddenly,” one of them said.
As temperatures soar and outdoor water activities increase, these warnings serve as vital reminders to protect lives and reduce drowning accidents across Oman’s natural waters.
