Water bodies such as lakes, rivers, streams and swimming pool are dangerous places for children and have in some cases claimed lives of youngsters.
Rwanda National Police has therefore reminded parents and guardians residing near these water bodies to watch over their children to prevent such disasters from happening.
The message follows the death of a ten-year old boy after he drowned in Nyiranduhura stream in Huye District on December 27 as he was fetching water.
It is observed that some children drown while fetching water or swimming in lakes, rivers and streams.
Reacting to the incident, the Southern Region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) André Hakizimana challenged parents and guardians to be more responsible by preventing and protecting their children from such risky places.
“This was an unfortunate but preventable act, if the victim was bared or more so accompanied, he probably would have been saved,” said CIP Hakizimana.
“Children need constant parental attention. They should not be abandoned or allowed to play around water bodies without being watched. Parents need to keep an open eye on their children,” he advised.
“Drowning commonly happens in two trends. Children in rural areas tend to drown in ponds, lakes and rivers. Many children who live near lakes and rivers are tempted to go fishing or swimming without elders watching.”
According to Police, other children drown after sliding on weak water banks while others are pushed by their colleagues while playing in or around these water bodies.
“It is so unfortunate that parents can send children of this age to fetch water, worse still in a stream. It’s an obligation of parents to bare children from accessing such water bodies, but it even goes beyond father-mother role to all Rwandans to chase children away from these waters,” CIP Hakizimana said.
He added that in case of such accidents the public should call the police, on toll-free lines – 110 (maritime), 111 (fire) and 112 (emergency), for immediate rescue.
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