Kiran calls for vigilance after Wailoaloa drowning tragedy

Minister for Women and Children Sashi Kiran has urged parents to closely supervise their children around water following the deaths of three young girls in separate drowning incidents at Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi.

The tragedy, which occurred during the Diwali public holiday on Monday, has pushed Fiji's national drowning toll to 50, compared with 31 during the same period last year.

Ms Kiran said the deaths were a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of adult supervision whenever children entered the water.

“I plead with parent that there must be an adult with children if they go into the water. I would like to send my condolences to the families,” she said.

Two sisters, aged eight and seven, from Nawaka Settlement, drowned after accompanying their mother to the beach for a family picnic.

Bystanders found the girls floating in the water near the beach.

Their mother declined to comment when contacted.

In a separate incident at the same beach, a five-year-old girl who had accompanied her father for a picnic was found floating near the shoreline by bystanders.

Police confirmed that both incidents were being investigated for alleged negligence.

“The tragic loss of young lives reinforces the need to closely monitor children’s activities at all times.”

Police also reminded parents and guardians that drowning could be prevented by following appropriate safety precautions.

“Drowning is preventable if necessary precautionary measures are strictly adhered to, as complacency in particular with children and those who are less confident swimmers can result in the loss of lives,” police said.