Fiji Swimming Operations manager Trisa Cheer-Dunn says the recent number of drowning is “shocking”.
“We’re trying our best to reach out to the community and through the schools and our community work but yes these drownings still happen over and over again and most of these drownings happen out of ignorance and negligence,” she said.
Ms Cheer-Dunn oversees the “Let’s Swim Fiji” program via Australian government funding. She said there were many swimming clubs around Fiji but there was a need for further training in surf safety/ rescue and most importantly CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) techniques.
She urged parents and guardians to get their children trained in surviving the water environment.
Fiji Swimming said the onus was on all Fijians to check conditions before embarking on any swimming, snorkeling or boating activities.
The organisation issued a warning in the wake of a rise in drowning incidents. Fiji Swimming said according to police statistics 31 people had drowned so far this year, up from 25 over the same period in 2019 with eight deaths in the past three weeks alone, many of them young children.
The authority said November through April was cyclone season and strong winds could stir up the seas, especially during this time but also at other times as well.
Fiji Swimming said strong riptides along reefs and river estuaries meant people should be vigilant at all times.
“Some beaches in Fiji have strong and dangerous currents, like Sigatoka sand dunes, and there may be no warning signs present to signal hazardous swimming conditions,” said Fiji Swimming in a statement.
“The White Wall for example, which is made up of soft corals, is a world renowned drift dive located in the Somosomo Strait off Taveuni and is one of the areas with very strong currents.
“Because of the strength and quickness of the currents, it is recommended that you have a knowledgeable local accompany you when diving in this area.
“But even on other beaches where the water looks calm, dangerous currents may be present.”
