While ben hazmanim only began on Monday, 11 Menachem Av, there have already been 39 drownings reported in Israel since the beginning of May 2016 R”L as compared to 22 during the same time period last year.
One of the reasons given for the increase is lifeguard sanctions in the early weeks of swimming season, back in May. The lifeguard’s union however rejects any attempt to place culpability in its lap, insisting police and local authorities should have been out in force to make sure swimmers do not enter the water when lifeguards are not present.
MDA adds that boys and men represent three times the number of drownings compared to girls and women.
With the beginning of bein hazmanim on Monday, 11 Menachem Av, authorities called on the tens of thousands of talmidim and avreichim to familiarize themselves with regulations when hiking and at beaches, and to make certain the designated drivers are well-seasoned drivers and not novices. Police urge the frum community to remain vigilant and acquaint itself with procedure to permit bein hazmanim to pass without incident, which demands using caution and advanced preparations when hiking and swimming as well as regarding other vacation endeavors.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
3 Responses
While one might understand (but disagree) with a policy of not teaching “secular” subjects in yeshivos, is there any rational basis for not requiring talmidim to learn basic swimming and driving skills and how to prepare for a hiking trip in terms of proper dress, emergency supplies etc? It seems that instruction in basic life skills could be justified on the basis of pikuach nefesh without getting into a debate over whether instruction in math and science are appropriate for a ben torah.
Very sad. Some are probaby not avoidable. For the rest we have to instill in our kids responsability….has to be taught from kindergarten and up. It does not come overnight. And daven!!!
Does 39 drownings means 39 people died or almost drowned and were saved? That is so many!