Local
The Civil Defense Directorate announced today, Friday, the training of new batches of divers as part of efforts to enhance water rescue capabilities in Iraq. The director of the Public Relations and Media Department stated that these batches of officers and personnel were enrolled in advanced specialized courses in diving and water rescue, aiming to develop the capabilities of the internationally accredited Iraqi search and rescue team and equip them with the latest technologies and equipment. This step is part of a comprehensive national strategy to develop and integrate the operational capabilities of the team and enhance its readiness to respond to various incidents and emergencies in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. He pointed out that water rescue teams form a fundamental pillar within the civil defense system, given Iraq's geographical nature, which includes rivers, lakes, marshes, irrigation canals, and dams, necessitating specialized teams capable of handling drowning incidents, drifting, and vehicle falls into water bodies. He explained that diving and rescue operations in internal waterways are challenging due to strong water currents, poor visibility, and the presence of obstacles and debris at the bottom, requiring divers to be trained in specialized techniques and underwater communication methods to ensure their safety and performance efficiency. The tasks of these teams include evacuating trapped individuals during floods, searching for missing persons, rescuing victims of drowning and vehicle falls into water, as well as coordinating with the river police to cover humanitarian and security duties. He emphasized the importance the directorate places on awareness and prevention by warning citizens about the dangers of swimming in unauthorized water bodies or areas with strong currents, stressing that prevention and early response contribute to reducing accidents and protecting lives and property.
