Seven-year-old Michael Wong from Lautoka was saved from a near-drowning incident during a family vacation at Plantation Island Resort. This alarming event, which occurred on November 16, 1977, serves as a critical reminder of the importance of vigilance around water. Michael was discovered submerged approximately six feet deep by Jim Stewart, a member of the British Sub-Aqua Club (Fiji), while he and his wife were snorkeling nearby.
Jenny Stewart noticed the boy floating on coral and immediately alerted her husband. In a courageous act, Jim retrieved Michael from the water and administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, successfully reviving the boy until a nursing sister from the resort took over and managed to help him expel the water he had inhaled. Thanks to a speedy boat ride to Lautoka Hospital, Michael recovered entirely from the incident.
This alarming situation highlights the critical need for parents and guardians to maintain constant supervision of children while they swim or play near water. In Fiji, there have been an increasing number of tragic drowning cases, prompting local authorities to emphasize the need for improved water safety protocols. Families are urged to remain vigilant, ensuring children are closely monitored to prevent such accidents.
As communities across Fiji rally together to raise awareness and implement stricter safety measures, there is optimism for a future where near-drowning incidents like Michael’s can be avoided. Education about water safety, coupled with community involvement and support, can create a safer environment for children to engage in recreational water activities. This collective effort offers hope for preventing future tragedies and ensuring families can enjoy their time near water with peace of mind.