RECENTLY I read an article in Dawn that notes nine deaths due to drowning which translates into nine families that have suffered a major loss.

It is that time of the year when the mercury is rising, and due to lack of electricity people find alternatives to escape the heat. Drowning is a form of death that is easily preventable by simple and cheap measures and precautions. Before going to the beach for swimming and picnics we worry more about whether or not paper plates, cups and food are ready, rather than noting whether or not we have taken appropriate measures for safety.

As a doctor who works in first response, I understand that prevention has a greater role in drowning than does rescue and therefore urge those families and youngsters going to the beach to take along with them a rod to plant in the sand, a rope to tie to it, and some form of local floatable device such as a tire tube or empty bottle can in case needed, as well take a few moments to learn the appropriate method to approach a drowning victim without panicking.

It takes a mere ten to fifteen minutes to learn and implement these measures but goes a long way in saving lives.

DR. AKBAR HEREKAR Karachi