Informative activities to prevent situations of drowning will be carried out in the recreational areas of the country throughout summer. This way, the rescuers aim to sensitize the people to the existing dangers. As many as 125 persons drowned in Moldova last year. Of them, 23 were children and teens. Five victims have been reported since the start of the current warm season.

“Most of the cases of drowning happen in ponds that are not specially laid out for swimming, while the victims are usually persons who went swimming under the influence,” press officer of the Civil Protection and Emergencies Service Liliana Puscasu has told IPN. She added that many children drown when they are left without supervision. The parents often do not know exactly where there children are.

The Civil Protection and Emergencies Service warns against swimming in places where swimming is not recommended, mainly in deep ponds with running water, and against diving. Parents are advised to permanently keep the children under supervision.

The information campaign will last until September.