Call for new department to implement drowning prevention measures

KUALA LUMPUR: A full-fledged department must be set up to plan, enforce, strategise and implement water safety and drowning prevention measures, said National Water Activity Safety Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
At the same time, he said the government should also look into providing a comprehensive database with statistics and information on drowning cases.
"With the formation of a full fledged department under the Prime Minister's Department, the database will help the relevant authority to develop immediate and long-term measures to address the issue," he said in a statement, here today.
Lee also said all local authorities, which have jurisdiction over water activities must be directed to take drastic measures to prevent drowning, such as frequent audit of water activity areas, adequate number of signage to warn the public of the danger zones and fence up disused mining ponds.
"They should also provide lifeguards for all beaches and plan for quick response by civil defence, Fire and Rescue Department, police and other relevant authorities in the event of emergencies.
"At the same time, the public must understand and heed the warnings given by the authorities. A white flag flying at the lifeguard tower would mean that the sea conditions are safe for swimming and water activities, while a red flag warns all to steer clear of the water," he added. — Bernama