Konya underwater police issue drowning prevention warnings

The Konya Police Department's Underwater Group Command, commonly known as ‘frogmen,’ has issued warnings regarding drowning risks in dams and lakes. The unit, which has operated for nine years, provides search and rescue services across five provinces: Konya, Afyonkarahisar, Aksaray, Isparta, and Karaman, though they are deployed nationwide during major disasters.

Chief Inspector Hakan Özdemir reported that teams responded to four drowning incidents in the last 1.5 months, with three occurring in Konya and one in Karaman. Özdemir emphasized that drowning is often a silent and rapid process. He advised the public to avoid entering water in dams, canals, or ponds, suggesting instead that they use supervised beaches with lifeguards and safety markers.

As emergency measures, Özdemir recommended using lifebuoys, ropes, or long sticks. He even noted that simple items, such as empty plastic bottles, can be thrown to a victim to help them stay afloat.