The National Statistics’ Office (ONE) has revealed that in the Dominican Republic over the five years from 2010 to 2015, 1,921 people have drowned. Of these, 32% (610) were under 15 years of age.
Alexandra Izquierdo, director of ONE, said that 84% of those who died were males, and 16% females. The province with the highest number of drownings was Santo Domingo with 350, followed by Santiago with 158 and La Altagracia with 144.
The ONE press release indicates that 2011 was the worst year for drowning with 349 victims. ONE explains that while number of drownings is declining, there is a particular need to be aware of the risk of drowning, especially during Easter Week, when thousands of non-swimmers head to the beaches and rivers.
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Listin Diario
11 April 2017
