Authorities warn of risks entering rivers during rainy season after drowning

Panamanian authorities have issued a stark warning about the dangers of entering rivers and swimming spots, particularly during the current rainy season. The alert was triggered by the recent death of a 24-year-old woman who was swept away by the strong current of the La Angostura River in the Penonomé district of Coclé province.

Search and rescue teams from the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) and the National Aeronaval Service (Senan) have responded to multiple fatalities in similar waterways. René García, head of Operations for Sinaproc, explained that visitors often underestimate river conditions, attempting maneuvers they've seen others perform without understanding the inherent risks. "Many times, these are people who don't know the river, see other people doing this movement and, as soon as they enter the river itself, they suffer some kind of blow," García stated.

Even experienced individuals can fall victim to accidents due to miscalculations when entering the water. In the recent incident, two young women entered the La Angostura River to rescue a dog. One managed to exit the water safely, but the other was carried away by the current and tragically lost her life. García emphasized that while local residents may have a better understanding of safe entry points and conditions, visitors should not assume they can replicate these actions without knowing the environment.

The Senan highlighted that a significant portion of their calls involve people entering water bodies without first assessing the conditions. Authorities stress the importance of not becoming complacent, even in familiar locations, and respecting the environment. They urge anyone encountering a risky situation to remain calm and contact emergency services immediately. During the rainy season, the primary recommendation is to avoid rivers and swimming areas, especially those in mountainous regions.