Swimming in Unknown Water

Written by: Mir Aqa Etibar

In the summer season, some youngsters go away from their residential area for swimming. Some of them swim in unfamiliar areas and unknown waters, which sometimes may have bad consequences. AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some youths about this issue.

Mohammad Kazim, a resident of the Bagram district of Kabul province, who swims in a big stream says, “My nephew was swimming in the same stream, but he drowned and we took his dead body out of the stream.”

Mohammad Mukhtar, a resident of the mentioned area, says, “Every year, about 10 youths die while swimming in the stream, and most of them come from Kabul to swim. One day I was walking by the stream. I saw a boy floating in the water. I took him out of the stream and he was our villager. His uncle did not recognize his body because the water had ruined him."

What are some people's opinions about the causes of this issue?

Mohammad Kazem says: "Some of the boys are small and do not know how to swim, but they dive into the water. As they cannot save themselves, they drown.”

Muhammad Mukhtar says, “Once a father had come with his two sons for swimming. While their father went a little away from his children; one brother pushed the other into the stream and he was to sink but the villagers saved him.”

How to swim so as not to drown?

Mohammad Mukhtar says, “It's important to know how to move your arms and legs. When you go underwater, try to force yourself to the surface."

Ibrahim, a resident of Kapisa province says, "I always go swimming with my friends. We take care of each other while swimming. We don't swim in deep water and we are careful not to be drowned."