Muscat – Following recent incidents of drowning that claimed the lives of two citizens, authorities and experts are urging caution when venturing out into wadis and the sea.

The Civil Defence and Ambulances Authority (CDAA) emphasised the importance of adhering to safety measures and avoiding hazards during summer outings to wadis, particularly for families and youth seeking adventurous experiences.

In response to a distress call on Saturday, Muscat’s CDAA rescue team swiftly acted upon the drowning incident of a 24-year-old citizen in Wadi al Arbeieen, Quriyat.

Sadly, the individual could not be saved. The rescue team recovered his body later.

In a similar incident in early May, CDAA reported another citizen missing for three days. They eventually found his body in a wadi in Dima Wa al Taien, North Sharqiyah.

According to CDAA’s latest statistics, water rescue teams handled 521 calls related to drowning accidents in 2021. In light of these incidents, CDAA urged people to maintain caution and warned against swimming in undesignated areas.

Experts stress the importance of adhering to safety measures while swimming.

Said Ali al Shayadi, a free diving instructor, explains that unfortunate incidents occur when individuals, particularly youth, neglect safety measures. He reminded that the purpose of swimming should be to enjoy the outdoors, rather than competing with others.

“Everyone should start small and select swimming areas that match one’s fitness level, while also staying mindful of weather conditions.”

Adventurer Khalid Said al Anqoudi underscored the need for adhering to guidelines during adventure trips and wadi swimming. This includes wearing life jackets and choosing well-known tourism companies that provide necessary equipment. “I urge youth to adhere to safety measures while swimming.”

CDAA reminded individuals to ensure physical fitness and good health before engaging in such activities to mitigate risks. The call for caution and preparedness serves as a crucial reminder to prioritise safety.