During the summer, when Shymkent residents and visitors alike enjoy spending time near rivers and canals, water safety becomes especially pressing. Therefore, on August 22, the city's Emergency Situations Department held a preventative event called "Water Safety," aimed at preventing accidents and fostering responsible behavior around water among the population.

The patrols covered several popular recreation areas: the area along the Badam River, as well as the Shar-Shara and Mayatas Canals. These areas attract large numbers of vacationers every year, but are also considered the most risky for swimming. Specialists installed additional warning signs and information boards here, urging citizens to be vigilant and not put their lives in danger.

The main goal of the campaign was not only to remind people about water safety rules but also to engage residents in water safety prevention. Particular attention was paid to children and adolescents, as they are the ones most often left without adult supervision and become victims of tragic accidents.

Representatives from the Yenbekshinsky District Akim's Office, the Civil Defense Department, the Emergency Response Unit, and the district police department participated in the raid. Each participant fulfilled their specific role: police officers monitored public order at public recreation areas, Emergency Situations Department specialists explained safety rules and distributed informational materials, and local government officials assisted with outreach efforts.

According to experts, the causes of water accidents are largely the same year after year. The main factors include swimming in unauthorized areas, ignoring prohibited signs, drinking alcohol before entering the water, and careless parents leaving children unattended. The department notes that tragedies can be prevented by following basic rules.

During the raid, staff reminded vacationers that in the event of an emergency, they should immediately call 112 for rescue services and, if possible, provide first aid to the injured person until they arrive. Residents were also advised of the particular dangers of swimming in the canals: strong currents, uneven bottoms, and great depths pose additional risks even for strong swimmers.

Particular emphasis was placed on prevention among parents. They were reminded that even a few minutes of inattention can result in tragedy. Statistics show that most child deaths in water occur when they are near a body of water unaccompanied by an adult.

It's important to note that preventative measures are systematic in Shymkent. Every year, in anticipation of the swimming season, department staff hold meetings at schools, organizations, and in residential courtyards, educating residents about water safety and the need to take care of their lives and health.

During the latest raid, specialists also demonstrated how to properly use life-saving equipment and provide first aid to a drowning person. The demonstration sparked interest among residents, many of whom admitted they were seeing such visual demonstrations for the first time. According to the organizers, such practical exercises help people better retain information and feel more confident in an emergency.

Particular attention is also being paid to social media. Emergency Department staff are preparing videos, infographics, and informational materials that are distributed through the official accounts of agencies and local administrations. This allows information to be conveyed to the widest possible audience, including young people, who most often receive news online.

The organizers emphasize that these types of events will continue throughout the swimming season. It is planned that these patrols will cover not only the central districts but also the outskirts of the city, where dangerous water areas are also present. Residents can also report areas where additional warning signs are needed.

The preventative campaign demonstrated that many city residents are receptive to such initiatives. People acknowledge the importance of reminders about safety rules and note that visual examples and direct communication with specialists are more effective than simply reading memos.

At the end of the raid, representatives of the Department of Emergency Situations reminded that responsibility for water safety lies not only with rescuers and police, but also with the citizens themselves. Everyone should remember: following simple rules—don't jump into the water in unfamiliar places, don't swim while intoxicated, and keep an eye on children—can save lives.

Thus, preventative work in Shymkent has become an important tool in preventing tragedies on water bodies. It unites the efforts of government agencies and residents themselves, fostering a culture of safety and a responsible attitude toward water recreation. After all, the main goal of such events is not just a one-time event, but to change public attitudes toward personal safety, so that summer recreation becomes a joyful experience rather than a source of disaster.