Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Lynda Tabuya says parents and guardians need to be more vigilant of our children’s whereabouts during the school holidays.
Tabuya said anything unfortunate can happen, at any time, if we are not too careful.
She made this comment after her Ministry noted an increasing number of reports of drowning cases involving children.
Tabuya said after going through the media reports on the number of drowning cases, it saddens her to note that recent statistics have shown that in 2022 alone, Fiji recorded an increase of 43 per cent in drowning cases when compared to 2021.
She said sadly, beginning of this year, we have already started to see high rates of drowning cases.
“The premature loss of lives, especially our children who are most susceptible to vulnerability, is a tragedy, and we cannot afford to let our guard down with our children for even a minute.”
The Minister has urged everyone to take all the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their families, especially as we are in the cyclone season and torrential rain and flooding is expected.
Tabuya said to be vigilant and take extra precaution particularly about children’s whereabouts, avoid letting them outdoors during rainy or stormy weather unsupervised, keep a close eye on children and toddlers when they are out for a swim at a public pool or at a picnic spot.
“Parents have the duty to protect their children and make decisions concerning the welfare and well-being of their children,” Tabuya added.
