According to figures published by children's safety NGO Beterem on Wednesday, 35 children and teenagers in Israel died in accidents this past summer.
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It was a higher total than the average number of deaths over the past five years (2016-2020), which stands at 82.
The main causes of death over summer vacation were car accidents (15 cases), and drowning (10). The number of road fatalities over summer vacation this year was higher than the average from the past five years, which were 13 deaths per year. Six of the deaths were infants (0-4), four were in the 5-9 age group, two were aged between 10-14, and three were between 15-17.
In terms of drownings, this summer has been more deadly compared to last summer, when there were four such incidents. Three children this summer drowned in the sea, three in pools, two in tubs, one in a water reservoir, and one in a river.
"Most of the accidents could have been prevented," said Beterem CEO Orly Silbinger. Every one of [the children] was an entire world, and their deaths are a terrible tragedy for their families and friends. Summer vacation is over, but we still have another month of holidays and vacations ahead of us.
"Our experience tells us that in such periods of time, of alternating routines, the risk of accidents for kids is higher. With that, we need to remember that accidents are not predestination.
"Following safety guidelines can prevent the next disaster. Do everything in your power to keep the children safe," she said.
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