The Kuwait Fire Force has renewed its appeal to parents and guardians to maintain uninterrupted vigilance around children in or near water during the summer months when beaches and swimming pools see increased activity. According to the force the most effective preventive measure remains direct and constant adult supervision which cannot be replaced by swimming lessons or other preparations. The Kuwait Fire Force stressed in its awareness campaign titled Ways to Protect Children from Drowning that most such incidents are entirely preventable through basic safety practices that families must prioritise without exception.
Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Gharib said the safety of children is a shared responsibility that begins with awareness and commitment to preventive measures. The senior officer urged families to make water safety their top priority throughout the summer season. In remarks carried by local outlets the Kuwait Fire Force spokesperson highlighted how even brief distractions such as checking mobile phones have contributed to tragic outcomes in the past.
The campaign comes as temperatures rise and more residents flock to recreational water sites where risks escalate quickly for unsupervised youngsters. The Kuwait Fire Force advised that teaching children to swim at an early age serves as an important skill but does not eliminate the need for active adult oversight at all times. Families should also ensure children wear approved life jackets whenever they are in or around water according to the force’s guidelines.
World Health Organization data shows that children and young adults aged 0 to 29 years account for over half of all drowning deaths globally with those under 5 representing nearly a quarter of the total. The WHO assessment found the highest drowning rates among children aged 0 to 4 years occur in the Eastern Mediterranean Region which includes Kuwait and neighbouring countries. These figures underscore the importance of the public awareness efforts that authorities in the Gulf have intensified in recent summers.
The Kuwait Fire Force further recommended checking weather forecasts before heading to the sea and avoiding swimming in rough conditions that can overwhelm even capable swimmers. Learning basic first aid techniques for responding to drowning incidents forms another key component of the campaign that the force has promoted through various channels. Such preparation equips families to act swiftly should an emergency arise despite preventive steps.
Additional guidance from the Kuwait Fire Force includes never allowing children to use elevators alone or approach household hazards but the water safety message has taken centre stage amid seasonal patterns. The force’s renewed warnings align with similar initiatives across the GCC where ministries of interior regularly highlight child protection during warmer months. Officials continue to distribute these messages through social media and community briefings to reach as many households as possible before incidents occur.
