Dramatic rescue: Oman officer and citizens save child from drowning with 25-minute CPR

Muscat: An officer from the Coast Guard Police and two citizens sprang into action to heroically rescue a drowning child off the coast of Mirbat on Wednesday.

The dramatic rescue unfolded when the child was spotted struggling in the water. Working together, the officer and the two citizens pulled the child to shore and immediately began emergency resuscitation, said the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

A grueling 25-minute CPR effort followed, during which the team tirelessly fought to revive the young child. The child regained consciousness and was transported to the hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

Drowning cases among children in Oman continue despite warnings and campaigns by authorities urging parents to supervise their children near the sea or wadis.

Around 166 drowning cases were registered in 2023, compared to 324 in 2022, according to the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA).

Children make up the majority of drowning victims, as they are often not strong enough to swim against powerful currents. Parents frequently leave their children to swim alone, prompting the CDAA to organise campaigns warning against negligent behaviour.

An official from the CDAA told Gulf News earlier that the highest number of cases occurred during the summer months when many people are on holiday.

The official added that such incidents happen because people do not take adequate precautions.

“Many enter the sea or wadis even if they do not know how to swim. Many go swimming during high tides and in areas marked unsafe,” he said.