Parents are being urged to be more vigilant and responsible for their children during the school break, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACPO) Livai Driu. This plea follows the tragic incident in which a five-year-old girl from Naituvatuvatu Village in Wainibuka, Tailevu, was swept away by strong currents while crossing the Waisomi River.
The young girl was attempting to cross the river with seven other children and her 32-year-old aunt after they had gathered edible lady fern (Ota). Tragically, she was caught by the swift currents and was reported missing. Despite the immediate actions taken by the village headman and the deployment of three police officers to locate her, the search efforts were complicated by darkness and adverse weather conditions, leading to a pause in the search for her body. Fortunately, the recovery was made the following morning.
ACPO Driu emphasized the importance of parental supervision during the holidays, encouraging families to spend quality time together and avoid potentially dangerous situations such as large gatherings or festivities that may divert attention away from child safety.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of waterways and the critical importance of keeping children safe, particularly during school breaks when they may be more active outdoors. By prioritizing safety and family togetherness, parents can help prevent such heart-wrenching tragedies in the future.
Parents are encouraged to take this message to heart as they navigate the holiday season, ensuring their children’s safety remains a priority.
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