DISUSED mining pools are often used for recreation by youngsters, but their relatively tranquil appearance hides a host of dangers.
For one thing, mining pools can be deep, as they are essentially shafts dug into the ground.
Also, they do not have gradually sloping banks like you find in naturally-occurring ponds or lakes.
Instead, they often have sheer sides that make it difficult for anyone encountering difficulties to gain handholds or footholds to climb out.
All too often, we read of tragedies involving children who go swimming in such abandoned pools.
It was said that a 15-year-old boy in Bandar Saujana Putra became the latest victim earlier this week.
Did this happen?
VERDICT:
TRUE
A police statement by Kuala Langat OCPD Supt Ahmad Ridhwan Mohd Nor on Thursday (Dec 14) said a 29-year-old takaful agent reported the drowning to the authorities that day.
He said the 15-year-old victim drowned while swimming with his friends.
"The complainant and his friend, who was fishing nearby, heard shouts for help and called 999," said Supt Ahmad Ridhwan on Friday (Dec 15).
He said police, with the help of the Fire and Rescue Department, conducted a search for the victim at the scene and found his body.
"A medical team from Hospital Banting confirmed he had died at the scene," he said, adding that the case had been classified as sudden death.
Supt Ahmad Ridhwan urged parents and guardians to keep constant tabs on their children's whereabouts and activities to avoid such unfortunate incidents.
