33 Palestinian Children Drowned in Recent Years

SadaNews - Data and statistics published by the "Beterem" organization for child safety, on Tuesday (October 21), after the conclusion of the swimming season for 2025, which lasted six months since its opening on April 4, show that 33 Arab children have drowned in recent years.

According to the organization’s data, 11 children under the age of 17 drowned during the current season, including 3 children from the Arab community, all of whom drowned in swimming pools.

"Beterem" also noted an additional drowning death occurred outside the official swimming season.

Data indicates that 70% of child victims drowned this year in swimming pools, while other drowning incidents were recorded in the sea, lakes, and even within homes.

Compared to last year, the 2024 season witnessed the drowning deaths of 14 children, 8 of whom were from the Arab community.

Data from the last four years (2021 - 2024) indicates that the average drowning victims among children each season was about 16 children, while the number of Arab children who drowned from 2021 until the end of the current season stands at 33 victims.

Alarming Data

In recent years, the following figures have been recorded:

- Year 2021: 19 victims (including 9 children from the Arab community).

- Year 2022: 16 victims (including 6 Arab children).

- Year 2023: 18 victims (including 7 Arab children).

- Year 2024: 16 victims (including 8 Arab children).

"Beterem" confirmed that the swimming season is the most dangerous in terms of drowning incidents, especially during July and August, coinciding with the summer vacation. However, it emphasized that the end of the season does not necessarily mean the end of drowning cases, as many incidents occur outside the official season, particularly in home pools, private villas, guest houses, bathtubs, and buckets.

The organization called on parents to continuously supervise their children while playing or swimming, even in seemingly safe places, stressing that a child can drown in water that is only a few centimeters deep.

"Beterem" also recommended draining swimming pools after use and surrounding home pools with sturdy fencing and a securely locked gate to prevent children from accessing them without their parents' knowledge.

Source: Arabs 48