The Rwanda National Police had urged parents and guardians to keep children away from water bodies such as lakes, rivers and streams to avoid likely disasters.

The call follows the Tuesday incident in Karongi District where a 15-year-old boy drowned in Lake Kivu while swimming.

Chief Supt. Francis Gahima, the Western region police spokesperson, said the body was retrieved and taken to Kibuye Hospital for post-mortem.

He said parents need to monitor movements of their children to prevent such tragedies.

"Such tragedies are mainly due to negligence of the parents and guardians who are reluctant to stop children from playing around or swimming in these dangerous places,” Chief Supt. Gahima observed.

"Children need constant parental attention. They should not be abandoned or allowed to play around water bodies, including swimming pools without being monitored,” he added. 

 He also appealed to members of the public to act responsibly and always restrict children from water bodies and swimming pools.