TOMASI Kavetani lives near the seaside close to the Novotel Hotel in Lami.
He took time out to enjoy a swim with his children last week, an activity that many families in the community engage in during school holidays.
The swimming spot, widely used by children in the area as a getaway spot during the school holidays, has become a frequent venue for picnics, family outings, and water activities.
Its accessibility makes it a favourite for those looking for a simple, enjoyable way to spend time outdoors.
Tomasi emphasised the importance of parental supervision during the holidays, particularly during the peak holiday season when children spend more time outside their structured school routines.
He noted that the excitement and enthusiasm that come with the holidays often attracted children to engage in more adventurous activities, such as swimming, exploring, and playing outdoors.
“One of the key concerns is that some children are swimming here without any adult supervision.”
Tomasi said this lack of supervision could lead to mishaps, especially in the sea and rivers where conditions can change quickly with climate change and extreme weather conditions.
He said even though the area was frequently used by families, it was still vital for parents to be alert when their children were in or near the water.
“Natural swimming spots can present hidden hazards such as slippery rocks, sudden drops, strong currents, or changes in water depth.
“Children, in their excitement, may not always recognise these dangers, which makes continuous adult oversight crucial.”
Tomasi said school holidays, while enjoyable, could also be a time of heightened risk if parents were unaware of their children’s whereabouts.
He urged parents and guardians to take responsibility to ensure their children were safe at all times, not only during swimming but also in other outdoor activities as we are living in risky times.
He pointed out that avoiding unnecessary incidents begins with simple consistent attention by adults.
“This includes checking on children regularly, setting boundaries for where they can go, and reminding them of basic safety practices.
“The swimming spot near Novotel in Lami continues to attract families from the surrounding neighbourhoods, especially when the weather was warm and humid and children in holiday fever,” he said.
As the area becomes crowded with enthusiastic young swimmers, Tomasi believes it was even more important for parents to be vigilant.
He said the presence of supervising adults not only prevented accidents but also created a safer and more enjoyable environment for all families who use the area.
Tomasi says that while recreational spaces bring joy and relaxation, safety must always come first.
“By staying involved and watching over our children, parents can ensure that holiday outings remain memorable for the right reasons and that disappointment from preventable incidents is avoided,” he said.
