When tourists and travellers embark on their adventures, they often seek out new experiences and explore unfamiliar environments. Unfortunately, open water accidents and drowning incidents can occur, posing a significant risk to their safety. 

Lack of swimming skills, underestimating water conditions, lack of awareness about local safety measures, and unfamiliarity with the water environment are mainly responsible for the accidents. It is crucial for tourists and travellers, especially those going into the ocean, river, or any open water bodies, to be aware of the potential dangers and take necessary precautions to prevent drowning. 

Open Water Safety Tips for Tourists 

Learn Swimming Skills 

It is highly recommended to have basic swimming skills before going into open water. Travellers need to take swimming lessons to improve their abilities and build confidence. Knowing how to float, tread water, and swim basic strokes can significantly enhance your safety in the water.

Stay within Your Comfort Zone 

It's essential to assess one’s own swimming abilities and stay within one’s comfort zone. Avoid venturing into deep or fast-flowing water, if one is not confident. 

It’s always safe not to attempt activities beyond your own skill level, such as diving in unfamiliar areas or swimming long distances without proper training. When the tourists attempt to swim in a new area, they should try to stick where they feel comfortable and safe, considering their swimming proficiency and experience.

Read more: United efforts needed to prevent death in drowning: Ambassador Mustafizur

Take Local Advice 

Bangladesh is known for its vast network of rivers, and some areas have strong currents. It would be better to familiarise yourself with the water conditions and potential hazards in the specific location you plan to visit. Currents can be unpredictable, so it is important to understand their behaviour and take necessary precautions. 

Travellers can seek advice from local authorities, experienced water sports professionals, or knowledgeable guides. The local people can provide valuable insights about the local water conditions, any specific precautions to take, and areas to avoid.

Observe Warning Signs

Experts suggest paying close attention to warning signs, flags, or instructions from local authorities regarding water conditions. These signs may indicate high tide, strong currents, dangerous areas, or any other potential hazards. Tourists should always follow these guidelines to ensure their own safety.

Wear a Life Jacket 

If you are not a strong swimmer or when participating in activities like boating, kayaking, or rafting, wearing a properly fitted life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) can enhance safety. Life jackets provide buoyancy and can save lives in the event of an accident or unexpected water conditions. Besides, it is necessary to ensure the life jacket is in good condition and properly fastened.

Read more: Bangladesh leads WHO in adopting resolutions to reduce drowning mortality

Swim in Designated Areas 

Bangladesh has several popular beaches, lakes, and rivers where swimming is allowed. The tourists need to look for areas that are specifically designated for swimming. Usually, such areas are monitored for safety, and lifeguards can provide immediate assistance if needed.

Avoid Swimming Alone 

When a tourist visits an unfamiliar lake, river, or beach, swimming alone can be risky. It is always safer to swim with a companion or in groups. If an emergency arises, people can help each other or seek assistance. 

Read more: Child Drowning Prevention: Water safety tips to save your kid from drowning

Be Cautious of Hidden Hazards 

In natural water bodies, there may be hidden hazards beneath the surface, such as rocks, submerged branches, or sudden drop-offs. So it would be safer to assess the surroundings carefully before entering the water. Furthermore, stay mindful of potential obstacles that could pose a risk to your own safety.

Check Weather Conditions 

Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially during the monsoon season. Prior to engaging in any water-related activities, it is advisable to examine the weather forecast. Experts suggest avoiding swimming or engaging in water activities if there are strong winds, heavy rain, or storms in the area.

Learn Basic Water Rescue Techniques 

Having basic first aid knowledge can be invaluable in emergencies. People who frequently travel to remote areas of the country can learn some life-saving techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), treatment of minor injuries, drowning sign recognition, etc. Adding to these, tourists may have emergency contact numbers and local emergency services for quick assistance if needed. Knowing how to respond promptly and appropriately can make a significant difference in saving lives. 

Read more: Drowning kills 2.5 million people in last decade: WHO

Understand Rip Currents 

Rip currents can be present in coastal areas and are responsible for many drownings. It is highly recommended to learn how to identify and escape rip currents by swimming parallel to the shore until one is out of the current, then swimming back to land. 

Keep an Eye on Children 

When travelling with children, it is vital to provide continuous and attentive supervision while they are near water. Due to their vulnerability, children are susceptible to potential hazards. To prioritise their safety, maintain constant vigilance and establish clear boundaries to prevent accidents.

Read more: 10 Swimming Pool Safety Rules for Infants and Toddlers

Inform Someone of Your Plans 

Before engaging in any open water activities, travellers can inform a reliable person on land about their swimming plans and estimated return time. This way, someone will be aware of the tourist’s whereabouts in case of an emergency. If any traveller goes missing, alarms can be raised without much delay.

Conclusion

While open water adventures can be thrilling, it is essential for tourists and travellers to prioritise their safety. By following these open water safety precautions, outdoor enthusiasts can have a safer and more enjoyable experience while minimising the risks associated with drowning incidents. Most importantly, while travelling, one should always prioritise one’s safety and take appropriate measures to mitigate risks.

Read more: Bangladesh, Ireland initiate first-ever UN resolution on 'Global Drowning Prevention'