Does the travel industry take water safety seriously?
Close to 1.4 million visit the Maldives every year - and the tourism industry is one the country relies upon. Without doubt nearly all of those who visited the Maldives would have at least dipped their toes in water. In a country that’s 98% sea, where over a million people of all nationalities and swimming abilities went into the water in 2017, just 31 people drowned.
During January this year, a 40-year-old Russian tourist died during a diving trip, at the Paradise resort an 84-year old male and 66-year-old South Korean too died. During the same month, a young couple from the Philippines also died while swimming near Dhiffushi Island. In February, an elderly man from Australia holidaying at the Velidhoo resort was found dead in the island’s lagoon and the second death that of a 45-year old Chinese occurred at the Robinson Club resort.
Just say “Maldives” and you can’t help but picture overwater bungalows, pristine waters, and perfectly pure sand. The islands are, in a word, idyllic. Yet, all of the above deaths by drowning, that occurred within four weeks; prompted the idyllic nation in the Indian Ocean, to issue a warning to holidaymakers of the dangers of drowning while swimming off the paradise islands.
Considered by many, including travel companies, that this is a particularly perilous time of year as currents are strong during the north-eastern monsoon, local police are urging holidaymakers to take extra care when swimming, snorkeling or doing water sports. Others debunk this theory, claiming that strong underwater currents are not the common problem, especially in calm waters.
Dr Julie Isbill, founder of swimming school Pacific Jules and ocean swimming squad Bold and Beautiful added, “Occasionally it could be a result of panic from a painful stimulus such as a marine stinger or a person having a heart attack. Often the cause, however, is lack of water skills of the tourists swimming which can be aggregated by things such as alcohol, which is very dangerous when mixed with swimming, or overeating,”
Drowning accidents happen worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths. There are an estimated 360,000 annual drowning deaths worldwide. What this reveals is that, since most of the accidents either occur during a trip or while staying in a hotel, water safety- which is the procedures, precautions and policies associated with safety in, on and around bodies of water, where there is a risk of injury or drowning should be a matter for discussion – particularly by the travel and hotel industry.
Being aware of the basic principles of water safety on holiday, combined with knowledge and understanding of the hazards, can increase enjoyment and significantly reduce the number of deaths each year.
Ilzaf Keefahs – writes on hospitality related matters that he is passionate about, and likes to share his views with hoteliers and customers alike.
|
|
|
|
