KUALA LUMPUR: Clearer warning signs, improved hazard monitoring and early warning systems are among measures needed to strengthen water safety following reports that 371 children and teenagers have died from drowning since 2023, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said the figures were a painful reminder that drowning remained a serious and recurring public safety concern.
He said such incidents had claimed the lives of children, youths and adults over the years, leaving families devastated and communities in mourning.
Lee urged the government to step up water safety measures at popular recreational spots, including rivers, waterfalls, beaches and lakes.
“Clearer warning signs, improved hazard monitoring and early warning systems, as well as more trained lifeguards and rescue personnel, are urgently needed. Regular safety inspections should also be conducted at high-risk locations, while areas prone to sudden water surges should be closely monitored and temporarily closed whenever conditions become unsafe,” he added.
He reminded parents and guardians to closely supervise children near water and never leave them unattended.
“Schools and communities should also be encouraged to promote basic water safety knowledge, swimming skills and simple rescue techniques,” he said.
Lee urged the public to heed warning signs, follow instructions from the authorities and avoid entering rivers or waterfalls during bad weather or after heavy rain, even when conditions initially appeared safe.
He cautioned that sudden water surges, strong currents, slippery riverbanks and changing weather conditions could turn a family outing into a tragedy within minutes.
“Drowning is a silent killer. Prevention, vigilance and preparedness remain our strongest defences,” he said.
Lee called on the public and authorities to take decisive action to prevent further loss of life, saying every preventable drowning meant a life saved and a family spared immeasurable grief.
The Star highlighted yesterday that 371 children and teenagers had died in drowning incidents nationwide from 2023 to August of this year.
The report prompted calls from parents and teachers for water safety to be taught in schools.
