With summer in full swing, the high temperatures bring increased recreational activity at beaches, pools, and around boats settings, therefore the Malta Association of Public Health Medicine in conjunction with the Maltese Paediatric Association said that it is urging the public “to exercise extreme caution when in or near the sea or pools.”

In a statement, Doctors stressed that drowning is a preventable cause of injury and death that can affect people of all ages. “While children are often the focus of concern, adults are also at risk, particularly in open water, unfamiliar environments, or when safety measures are not followed. Everyone is reminded that water safety is essential, regardless of age or swimming ability,” they said.

To help prevent drowning incidents, Doctors encouraged the public to take proactive safety measures. These include recognising one’s personal swimming limitations, entirely avoiding alcohol when swimming or supervising children, using life jackets where appropriate, never swimming alone, and paying close attention to warning signs and sea conditions.

The highlighted the important point that children require particular attention due to their vulnerability. Constant supervision is critical, even around small amounts of water such as bathtubs, paddling pools, or buckets, which can also pose a serious risk.

Doctors advised the public to follow these key water safety tips to stay safe this summer:

1. Don’t overestimate your swimming ability. If you cannot swim or are not confident in the water, let others know and avoid taking unnecessary risks that can put yourself and others in danger.

2. Never swim alone. Regardless of how confident you are, always swim with someone else present. Even strong swimmers can get into trouble due to leg cramps, sudden fatigue or unexpected medical issues.

3. Avoid alcohol and substances of abuse. Do not drink alcohol or make use of illicit substances before or during swimming, or when supervising children near water.

4. Pay attention to local warnings. Observe flags, signs and advice from lifeguards or local authorities.

5. Use life jackets and appropriate flotation devices. Children and weaker swimmers should wear properly fitted life jackets, especially around open water and when on boats. Young children may use flotation devices, but these are not a substitute for supervision.

6. Ensure rescue equipment is close by. Always keep rescue devices such as a lifebuoy or reach pole near pools and on boats.

7. Learn CPR and basic first aid. These life-saving skills will enable you to provide immediate assistance, giving the person the best possible chance of survival until professional help arrives. Emergency services should be contacted as early as possible on emergency number 112.

8. Always supervise children near water. Remain within arm’s reach and give them your full attention. Drowning can happen in just seconds and in as little as a few centimetres of water. It is suggested that an identified adult is a designated watcher to supervise a child or children around water.

9. Avoid distractions. Do not use mobile phones or other devices and distractions such as reading while supervising children.

10. Fence off home pools. Ensure that private pools are safely enclosed to prevent unsupervised access by young children.

11. Teach children how to swim from a young age. Enrolling children in age-appropriate swimming lessons can help build essential water safety skills.

12. Teach children about water safety. Encourage safe habits, including staying away from drains or suction fittings in pools. Hair, limbs or clothing can get caught, creating a drowning risk.

13. Be mindful of health conditions. Children or adults with medical conditions such as epilepsy or heart problems may be at higher risk of drowning and require closer supervision near water.

14. Be alert for signs of delayed symptoms. Seek medical advice if someone experiences coughing, breathing difficulty or extreme tiredness after swimming.

Doctors also reminded parents and caregivers of the potential for delayed symptoms following water inhalation, sometimes referred to as “dry drowning.” They said that, although rare, this condition can occur when small amounts of water are inhaled, leading to breathing difficulties or lung complications several hours after swimming.

Symptoms such as persistent coughing, unusual tiredness, or difficulty breathing after a child has inhaled water or been at risk of drowning should be treated seriously, and immediate medical advice should be sought, they said.

The Malta Association of Public Health Medicine and the Maltese Paediatric Association concluded by encouraging all individuals, families, and caregivers to stay informed and take simple but essential precautions to prevent drowning. “These efforts can save lives and ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and healthy summer.”

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

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