MDA teams throughout Israel faced a busy swimming season. Over the past five months the organization remained on high alert and provided medical treatment to 234 individuals who drowned and were pulled out of bodies of water. Out of these 234 drowning victims 124 drowned in the Mediterranean Sea, 22 in the Dead Sea, eight in Eilat, eight in the Kinneret, 40 in public swimming pools, 22 in private swimming pools, three in the Sachne and five at the Jordan River. 39 of those victims were pronounced dead, 16 were evacuated to hospitals in critical condition following successful resuscitations, 11 were evacuated in severe condition, 23 were evacuated in moderate condition and 145 were evacuated in mild condition. This year there has been a decrease in the number of drowning cases as last year there were 320 drowning victims, out of which 57 were pronounced dead.

MDA Director General, Eli Bin: “MDA teams were on high alert over the past few months due to the many dangers posed during the summer season. Among these dangers is drowning, as many spend time at beaches and swimming pools. Throughout the swimming season, MDA teams treated 234 individuals. It is important to note that despite the conclusion of the bathing season, the danger of drowning still remains year-round. This year, there has been a decrease in the amount of drowning cases, but the number is still high and we must operate towards reducing it. I call everyone bathing at beaches and swimming pools – beware, do not go swimming without a lifeguard’s supervision and watch children and infants closely even in private swimming pools and shallow water.”

Additional statistics:

· Roughly 64% of the individuals were men, 36% were woman

· Age group distribution:

– Roughly 23% were 10 and younger

– Roughly 17% were 11-20 – the age group most prone to drowning

– Roughly 13.5% were 21-30 years old

– Roughly 9% were 31-30 years old

– Roughly 11% were 41-50 years old

– Roughly 6.5% were 51-60 years old

– Roughly 7.5% were 61-70 years old

– Roughly 10.5% were 71-80 years old

– Roughly 2% were 81 and older

·

Out of the 50 children in ages 1-10:

– 24 drowned in public swimming pools

– 21 drowned in private swimming pools

– 6 drowned in the sea

Out of the 37 teenagers ages 11-20:

– 28 drowned in the sea

– 5 drowned in public swimming pools, none drowned in a private pool

– 4 drowned in other bodies of water – the Jordan River and Sachne.

· The oldest drowning victim was 93 and drowned in a public swimming pool in the Galil. He was evacuated in moderate condition.

· The youngest drowning victims were one year old babies who drowned in a private swimming pool and a public swimming pool. Both were evacuated in mild condition.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)