Two drown in Ravi, Lahore canal

LAHORE: Swimming in the River Ravi and the Lahore canal to beat the sweltering heat proved fatal for two boys here on Sunday.A 16-year-old boy and another youth drowned in the River Ravi and the canal  near Sozo Water Park, respectively.

Eyewitnesses said that the victims came to the River Ravi and the canal for bath and after taking dive into the water did not come out. Later, the people present there informed rescue officials who started search for the boys. The rescuers managed to fish out the body from the canal after hectic efforts, while efforts were being made to trace the body of the youth drowned in the River Ravi.

Drowning incidents have become a regular feature here in summer. Youngsters, caring little about the advisories issued by the authorities, head towards the canal or the River Ravi to beat the heat. There have been several incidents where youngsters were swept away by the current. Certain children, who were having a dip in the canal, said they were not rich enough to enjoy the luxury of swimming pools. “We do not have money to enjoy swimming in a pool. These canals and rivers serve as natural swimming pools for them. “We are aware of the risk and even heard about many incidents. But water are the best source of staying cool in summer,” said a group of youngsters who were swimming in the canal.