People swim in the Gulf of Eilat in the Red Sea, May 19, 2018. Photo: Maor Kinsburksy/Flash90.

JNS.org – The Magen David Adom emergency ambulance service reported that a staggering 49 people have drowned since the beginning of the swimming season, urging everyone to maintain extreme vigilance and safety around all bodies of water.

Since mid-March, 49 people, including 13 children under the age of 10, have drowned in Israeli beaches, rivers and pools.

Another 152 near-drowning victims were treated by emergency medical teams, including seven people who were critically injured and required resuscitation; five listed in serious condition; 17 in moderate condition; and 123 who suffered only light injuries, but were transferred to hospital.

Of all the incidents, 20 occurred in public pools and 19 in private ones.

The Mediterranean Sea was the site of 109 incidents; the Kinneret, five; and the Dead Sea, eight; with six occurring in Eilat, three in the Jordan River and two in the Yarkon. One incident occurred at Gan Hashlosha National Park and one at the Yardenit baptismal spot.

MDA urged all swimmers to follow the instructions given by lifeguards and not to leave children unattended for any amount of time in the proximity of water.