As part of the ongoing activities carried out by Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Science Communication Office with the support of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), a “Bilim Kafe” (Science Café) event was held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Kurupelit Marina in Atakum, Samsun. The event focused on the effects of the climate crisis on water resources and life-saving first aid methods.

The event drew significant attention from the public and featured two sessions titled “Our Water is Running Out! What Does Science Say, What Should We Do?” and “First Aid: The Golden Minutes of Saving Lives.” During the event, which brought together scientists, security personnel, and healthcare teams, methods for combating drought and the proper application of first aid in drowning cases were shared with attendees.

Prof. Dr. Yusuf Demir: “Proper water management is of vital importance”

Moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mevlüde Nur Erdem from the OMU Faculty of Communication, the program featured a presentation by Prof. Dr. Yusuf Demir, a faculty member from OMU’s Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation. Demir evaluated the global and national drought issues in light of scientific data.

Emphasizing that water is fundamental to all life forms, Demir highlighted the increasingly severe impacts of the climate crisis with each passing year. He noted that 2025 could become the hottest year on record and stated that disruptions in rainfall patterns have led to crop losses, declining groundwater levels, and an increased risk of drought.

Stressing the inevitability of water efficiency and conservation, Prof. Dr. Demir underscored the importance of adopting modern irrigation techniques, rainwater harvesting, restrictions on groundwater extraction, and the use of recycled water. He also emphasized that reducing carbon emissions, transitioning to clean energy, protecting forests, and preventing food waste are critical steps for preserving ecosystems, concluding with the message: “Combating drought requires collective responsibility.”

Practical first aid training for drowning incidents

In the practical segment of the event, the Samsun Police Department’s Marine Branch and the OMU Vocational School of Health Services First and Emergency Aid Program team were actively involved. Led by Lecturers Dr. Asuman Şener and Dr. Dilek Kıymaz, the training demonstrated the necessary interventions to be performed until professional medical help arrives in cases of sudden illness or accidents.

Special emphasis was placed on the frequent drowning incidents that occur along the Black Sea coast during the summer months, with participants learning how prompt and correct first aid practices can save lives.

Emphasis on social awareness

This event drew attention to both the global climate crisis and the importance of individual survival knowledge. Bilim Kafe contributes to raising public awareness by opening scientific discussions on issues that touch everyday life.

OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, Secretary General Prof. Dr. Erhan Burak Pancar, and Rector’s Advisors Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emine Şendurur and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Begüm Korunur Engiz also attended the event.