Children have fun as they try to beat the summer heat at the old ferry wharf in Port Royal, east Kingston, yesterday. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

Since the start of the year, 26 people have died as a result of drowning, an alarming statistic, according to the president of the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica (ASAJ).

The Constabulary Communication Network says that over the last four days, there have been two confirmed cases and two suspected cases of drowning.

Last year, 55 people drowned.

ASAJ president John Eyre, said yesterday that he was concerned about the number of deaths by drowning.

"For a country that is surrounded by water, that is alarming," he said.

Eyre pointed to three responses in Jamaica, namely, people say they can swim, cannot swim, or can help themselves. He said the last response has been the one that can cause significant problems for individuals who develop a sense of false confidence.

"If I can help myself, that means I can swim, especially if the situation gets challenging," argued Eyre.

It was this false confidence that led to the death of 18-year-old Shiman Bennett at Port Royal last Friday. Bennett went to the beach with three others. None could swim but he and his friend Anthony Fagan thought they could 'help themselves'. When Bennett got into difficulties, no one was able to help.

The incident has left Fagan traumatised and his mother explained that the youngster could not talk after the incident. Now he is afraid of going back into the water, which took his friend's life.

No beach, no pool

"Mi nuh feel like me a guh back a dem place deh. No beach, no pool," he said firmly, looking down at the floor in front of him.

In another incident on Sunday, 10-year-old Daniel Henry drowned at Hellshire, prompting Portmore Mayor Keith Hinds to call for new operations on the beach.

"We think the time has come for us to take over the operation of the Hellshire Beach, as there needs to be proper security, the building of bathroom facilities, and also lifeguards,'' Hinds said.

With the recent reports of drowning, Eyre, who is also chairman of Swim Jamaica, the development arm of the ASAJ, said regulations should be put in place by the Government to ensure the expansion of swim training in the country.

In the meantime, he recommends that people learn to swim, and if they cannot swim, they should stay away from environments that require them to do so. He also pointed out that people should know their limitations and work within them.

I can swim, especially if the situation gets challenging," argued Eyre.

It was this false confidence that led to the death of 18-year-old Shiman Bennett at Port Royal last Friday. Bennett went to the beach with three others. None could swim but he and his friend Anthony Fagan thought they could 'help themselves'. When Bennett got into difficulties, no one was able to help.

The incident has left Fagan traumatised and his mother explained that the youngster could not talk after the incident. Now he is afraid of going back into the water, which took his friend's life.

No beach, no pool

"Mi nuh feel like me a guh back a dem place deh. No beach, no pool," he said firmly, looking down at the floor in front of him.

In another incident on Sunday, 10-year-old Daniel Henry drowned at Hellshire, prompting Portmore Mayor Keith Hinds to call for new operations on the beach.

"We think the time has come for us to take over the operation of the Hellshire Beach, as there needs to be proper security, the building of bathroom facilities, and also lifeguards,'' Hinds said.

With the recent reports of drowning, Eyre, who is also chairman of Swim Jamaica, the development arm of the ASAJ, said regulations should be put in place by the Government to ensure the expansion of swim training in the country.

In the meantime, he recommends that people learn to swim, and if they cannot swim, they should stay away from environments that require them to do so. He also pointed out that people should know their limitations and work within them.

Tips to prevent drowning

1. Learn to swim. If you don't know how to, keep it in mind and don't go into any water environment by yourself.

2. Know what you are getting yourself into. If it is a pool, you should check the depth of it. If it is the sea or river, do not enter without getting information from locals about what the water is like.

3. Do not swim alone.

4. Adhere to lifeguard rules.

5. If water seems too rough, don't go into it.

6. Never go swimming without a lifeguard's presence.

7. Understand that if you can't swim, you should apply non-swimmers rules.

8. Accept your limitations and act accordingly.