The National Occupational Health and Safety Services (NOHSS), part of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations (MEPWR), is actively investigating the tragic drowning of a hotel guest at the Fiji Hideaway Resort in Sigatoka. This unfortunate incident involved a 50-year-old Japanese tourist who drowned while swimming alone at approximately 8:00 a.m. on November 4, 2024.
Minister Agni Deo Singh remarked that preliminary findings indicate the tourist was swimming without supervision when the incident occurred. In light of this event, NOHSS is further examining whether the resort had adequate safety measures and protocols in place for guest activities, including supervision levels and emergency rescue and evacuation processes.
Additionally, NOHSS is collaborating with relevant authorities to secure medical and autopsy reports from the Fiji Police Force to support the ongoing investigation. Minister Singh emphasized the hotel management’s responsibility to identify potential hazards and implement effective control strategies to prevent such tragic events in the future. A comprehensive report will be released once the investigation concludes.
The NOHSS’s commitment to inspecting workplaces, including resorts throughout Fiji, ensures that these establishments adhere to legal safety requirements. When non-compliance is detected, appropriate enforcement notices are issued to prompt necessary corrective actions.
In light of this serious situation, it is encouraging to see regulatory bodies like NOHSS taking proactive measures to enhance safety standards in the hospitality sector. This incident may serve as a catalyst for improving safety protocols and ensuring a secure environment for all guests in the future.
Overall, while this incident is undeniably tragic, it presents an opportunity for bolstering safety practices, which could ultimately lead to a more secure experience for tourists in Fiji.
Leave a comment