In light of a number of recent drownings, Chinuch Atzmai has sent a memo to its schools forbidding water activities for the remainder of this school year.

The letter was sent to all schools affiliated with the Chinuch Atzmai system, prohibiting school outings that include water parks and swimming. The letter was signed by the CEO, Rabbi Avraham Lazerson and his assistant Rabbi Tzvi Baumel stating that their instructions are in line with instructions received from Maran HaGaon HaRav Aaron Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita in light of recent tragedies, fatal drownings. The letter of course pertains to camp programs ongoing at this time.

The letter adds that parents seeking water activities for their children may do so in the framework of the family but not camp or school.

A 25-year-old man died in a fatal drowning incident on the eve of 12 Tammuz, a 12-year-old Beit Shemesh student died during a school trip to a poll in northern Israel on 6 Tammuz, a 17-year-old talmid yeshiva died in an incident in a Separate Ashdod beach on 16 Sivan and a talmid yeshiva died in Beit Zayit in Nissan.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)