Rabat – Despite efforts to alert swimmers of the dangers of reservoirs, thirteen people have drowned in the dams of the Sebou river during summer of 2017.
The Sebou Hydraulic Basin Agency (ABHS) has reported that four people drowned in the dams of Sidi Chahed, three in Al Wahda dam, two in Allal Al Fassi, one in Idriss I, one in Bouhouda, one in Bab Louta, and another in the Matmata compensation pool.
The 100-meter depth of the water and the accumulation of mud on the banks and at the bottom of the reservoirs present a serious threat of drowning to swimmers.
Strong currents can also take in several bathers at a time. ABHS recalled that dams are intended to meet drinking water requirements, irrigation, and electricity production, which can create turbulence and water currents that are difficult to overcome, even by the most skilled swimmers.
Despite the dangers they face and the many deaths recorded, young people continue to bathe in dams, wadis, and other hill reservoirs, said the ABHS, adding that an awareness campaign on the risks of swimming in dams was launched this year.
In order to limit the growing number of victims by drowning in dam reservoirs, posters and brochures were disseminated in the provinces, circles, caïdats and various communes bordering the dams in the basin.
