Parents’ school holiday warning

 LAE police chief Iven Lakatani is warning parents to be mindful of the whereabouts of their children during weekends and school holidays.

Lakatani raised the issue after a Grade 8 student from St Mary’s Primary School at Eriku drowned at the Esplanade beachfront while  swimming with friends last weekend.

According to Morobe provincial disaster coordinator Charlie Masange, Lae and parts of Morobe continued to experience rain and   strong easterly winds, resulting in wild weather and rough seas.

Boat operators and small crafts were urged to be mindful while travelling to and from Popondetta, Northern, and coastlines, especially the Morobe patrol post, Bukawa, Finschhafen and Tewae-Siassi areas.

Lakatani said that it was unfortunate a human life was lost in such a situation.

“Parental roles and responsibilities to ensure children were always visible are paramount,” Lakatani said.

He said if children needed to go for a swim during weekends, parents needed to accompany them to the beaches and elsewhere to ensure their safety and security.

Meanwhile, Masange said people who will be using dinghies to travel should ensure they had life jackets on board.