After the Kampar waterfall incident, now I read about the news on the dragon boat strategy in George town Penang, and I really feel very sad because of the loss of young lives and also my empathy on their grieving parents. Just imagine the pain of losing a child after all the time, effort and love of raising from toddler to become a teenager. How much hope, joy and future days we want to anticipate from them as we see them grow, and this is all suddenly dashed by the mishap. As parents, we wanted our sons and daughters to be healthy, safe and happy, all the rest is simply immaterial! May God's consoling spirit move over these grieving parents, only God one day will be able to tell them the answer why this should ever happen to their beloved children!
There is always a Chinese saying which could be translated as: "You many want to adventure freely in the mountains, but never and never underestimate the danger of the water". Indeed this is very true! I had heard many stories and incidents in my village that ex-mining ponds had drown and taken away lives of many young kids when their parents were busy engaging themselves to earn a living outside and are not around at home to keep a watchful eye over them. I myself had, in numerous occasions, sneaked out of the house for such swimming trips without the knowledge of my parents. Come to think of it, it is simply too dangerous, and I am really glad that I am still alive till this day!
Water is a place, even if you are a good swimmer and equipped with proper life jacket, the undercurrent could be so strong that one could easily be sucked and drawn in, carried by the current, splashed and in the process knock against some rocks underneath the water that you could be injured and lose your consciousness. This is how life is lost even in a seemingly calm sea around Penang island in this dragon boat tragedy! And I always caution people who wanted to swim or fish in the East coast of Peninsula Malaysia especially near Cherating and Terengganu beaches. Those beaches are facing the open and much rougher South China sea compared to the strait of Malacca, where somehow Indonesia has cushioned off the strong waves from the Indian ocean.
Therefore all water sport events must be well planned and thoughtfully anticipate all these possible consequences. If possible, have all your swimming and water sport of young children done in artificial pools or water theme parks!
Sea is always dangerous whether for young and old! Just be very careful when you opt to plan your recreation there!
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