As from 2017 the Office of the Government receives enquiries from municipalities and organisations in costal area concerning the organisation of rescue operations in coastal zones and other inland water bodies. They point out problems related to weak regulatory framework, lack of interinstitutional cooperation, competence of costal area municipalities and financing. Lithuania is among the countries in which the annual number of the drowned persons is the highest. This number in Lithuania accounts for 100 persons each year.
In the opinion of the Government Chancellor Algirdas Stončaitis, such situation is unacceptable, present interinstitutional cooperation is ineffective and there is a lack of coordination. On the basis of this, a decision was taken to address the issues concerning the improvement of access to complementary institutional rescue capabilities, involvement of the institutions and non-governmental organisations concerned and the like.
'We must review the regulatory framework with a view of ensuring the safety of people and proper reaction in case of emergencies', stressed Mr Stončaitis.
The participants of the meeting emphasized the importance of improving the legal framework governing safe behaviour in water in order to ensure the application of standard practices.
The meeting was attended by the representatives of the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Finance, State Border Gard Service, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of Naval Forces, Fire and Rescue Department, Police Department, municipalities and rescuers.
