A classical birthday tragedy that stunned and left many grieving.
The 26 year old had invited friends and associates to come and celebrate with him, on that very important day of his life.
There was no hint that a birthday tragedy was lurking in the shadows. Nothing suggested that Precious Moments Lodge in Kamwala South area of Lusaka would soon be known by an awful name.
Full of life and enthusiasm, the celebrant, Misheck Mutelo Lwendo was indeed giving himself a treat, for being alive to add another year.
Things however turned awry when he decided to also take a dip at the hotel’s swimming pool.
Zambian police reports that at about 13:00 hours when the incident happened, alcohol had gotten in the way.
The service’s deputy spokesperson Danny Mwale, provided the background saying:
“After noticing that he was not coming out of the water, the two friends alerted the security guard and immediately a search was conducted.
“The body was discovered in the deep end of the swimming pool,” Mwale added in the statement.
Mwale said the officers who visited the scene suspected no foul play.
According to The Eagle findings, even small amounts of alcohol can affect behaviour and ability, increasing a swimmer’s risk of drowning.
Elaborating on this, Royal Life Saving, added that alcohol could heighten the risk of drowning because it:
Impairs judgement, increases risk-taking behaviours, and also impairs reaction time.
“Alcohol is a depressant, reducing the rate the brain processes information. In water emergencies, where response times are vital, it can prove the difference between life and death”, the platform says.
On Hypothermia as an associated swimming risk, it added that: “In cold situations, the body will attempt to draw blood away from the limbs and to the vital organs to prevent heat loss. Alcohol, however, prevents this and therefore increases the chance of hypothermia”.
It is believed that a birthday tragedy such as under discourse could be mitigated if people were to take heed of the above submissions.
Photo/article and story — Zambian Observer
