Drowning cases in Israel see a 46% surge

The bathing season is in full swing, but the number of drowning cases is increasing at an alarming rate. Just last weekend, four men drowned in the Dead Sea, with three of them needing evacuation by MDA teams to Soroka Hospital in serious and moderate conditions. About a week prior, a 50-year-old man drowned at the beach of the Ashkelon National Park, where MDA medics declared him dead on the spot. These incidents are just a few examples of the rising trend in drowning cases that have been reported recently.

According to MDA data, since the start of the season, 166 people have drowned and required assistance in Israel, with 20 of them tragically losing their lives. This marks a 46% increase in drowning cases compared to the same period last year. Most of the drownings are occurring on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as in private and public pools, and in water reservoirs. This upward trajectory in drowning incidents has been consistent over the past four years, more than doubling in that time frame.

Doral Erzuan, a senior paramedic at MDA, notes that most drownings are happening on undeclared beaches or outside of lifeguard hours. He emphasizes the importance of parental supervision, especially for young children who may not know how to swim. Adults are also at risk, particularly in unique environments like the Dead Sea where inhaling even a small amount of water can have serious consequences due to the high salt concentration.

Orly Silvinger, CEO of the Betram organization for child safety, highlights the need for increased vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines around water. Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children’s accidents, and preventive measures such as constant supervision, following lifeguard instructions, and immediate emptying of pools after use can save lives. Erzuan also stresses the importance of not attempting water rescues without proper training, as untrained individuals often put themselves at risk in rescue situations.

In case of a drowning emergency, dialing 101 for MDA services is crucial, especially if there is no lifeguard on duty. Attempting a water rescue without proper training can lead to further tragedies, as statistics show that 30% of untrained rescuers end up drowning themselves. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize safety, vigilance, and following guidelines to prevent drowning incidents and protect lives in water environments.