MDA israel

The official swimming season ran in Israel this year from 8th April until today, 24th October. Throughout the season, MDA EMTs and Paramedics treated 292 people for drowning related incidents. 48 patients died, 8 others were conveyed to hospital in critical condition and required resuscitation, 21 in serious condition, 37 in moderate condition and 178 were treated and conveyed in mild condition. 

Drowning events took place throughout the country - 17 at the Dead Sea, 19 at the Sea of Galilee, 11 at the Red Sea, 79 in private and public swimming pools, 7 in reservoirs, and 4 in the Jordan River. 72 children - a quarter of those who drowned - were children under the age of 10. Of those, 32 drowned in private swimming pools. 

MDA Director General Eli Bin: "Once more, MDA teams were on high alert throughout this year's swimming season in preparation for water-related incidents. Over several months, we were called to 292 incidents of people drowning on beaches, in pools and in other water sources. We used specialized vehicles including the new rescue boat in the Sea of Galilee, as well as the MDA rescue boat in Eilat, providing advanced treatment to those sick or injured in the water or on the beaches. This reduced response times to the incidents as well as transport time to hospital. It is important to remember that even as the season comes to an end, people should be responsible and swim only where it is permitted and where there are lifeguards present."