Old folks say one shouldn’t go swimming during Holy Week, especially not on Good Friday. They point out that drowning cases occur almost every year that day on one or several of the Dutch Caribbean islands.
Reliable statistics regarding this matter are not readily available, but there does appear to be some truth to the theory. However, the probable reason has nothing to do with religion.
What happens is that a lot more persons go to the beach than at other times. Not only that, but a number of them like to camp along the coastline, increasing the number of hours spent near the sea.
The most likely problem is that many don’t know how to swim, aren’t good at it or lack experience being in the water for long periods. Adding sometimes excessive consumption of food and particularly alcoholic beverages dramatically enhances the risk factor.
It’s about grownups, but especially the children they ought to be looking after. What may seem like an innocent dip up to the waist or even knees could easily turn into a tragedy due to waves, currents and other conditions, compounded by a lack of proper supervision.
People should not underestimate how quickly these things happen. A sheer moment of neglect can often lead to unimaginable pain and grief.
Youngsters who didn’t complete swimming lessons should wear floats at all times while at the shore, never mind if this might be a bit uncomfortable. Also adults who don’t usually swim and may be out of shape need to be very careful.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Correction
Wednesday’s editorial wrongly stated that the National Ordinance for an Integrity Chamber had been passed unanimously by Parliament last year. However, it was adopted by 10 to 4 votes in 2015, with the NA fraction voting against. The Daily Herald apologises for the error.
