Life saving jackets, a must

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Disaster Management Ministry (DMM) had repeatedly warned boat operators countrywide to provide passengers full fledged life saving jackets to save their lives in the event of emergency situations in the seas and rivers.

The DMM made this warning again following last week’s boat tragedy at Beruwala where five holiday-makers were drowned while returning after a pleasure trip to the Beruwala Light House. There were 11 persons at the time of the accident and none of them had worn Life Saving Jackets.

The residents rescued six people.

Disaster Management Minister, Mahinda Amaraweera told the Sunday Observer that although his Ministry had repeatedly warned boat travellers and fishermen to use Life Saving Jackets, many of them had ignored the warnings. As a result a number of deaths had occurred due to sudden accidents.

“If Life Saving Jackets are used by travellers, their lives will not be in danger even in the case of accidents”, he said.

According to the Disaster Management Ministry, over 1,000 people, including schoolchildren, holiday-makers and fishermen die due to drowning every year.

Minister Amaraweera said that this matter was also brought to the notice of the Fisheries Ministry and stern action will be taken against fishermen too who refrain from using Life Saving Jackets while fishing.

The Minister warned all private boat owners, those mostly working for tourist hotels to provide Life Saving Jackets to travellers on pleasure trips.

He said even school heads should follow likewise when organising water sports such as rowing. Minister Amaraweera said his Ministry purchases over 4,000 Life Saving Jackets annually which are distributed by the Ministry among fishermen and voluntary life saving organisations.