Drowning safety tips by City of Ekurhuleni

The festive season has started, and at this time of the year, temperatures rise in the southern hemisphere. The high temperatures and outdoor activities associated with the festive season necessitate a need for many to use water for cooling.
This is in addition to those who use water for spiritual rituals.

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Those who do not have swimming skills need to be aware of the danger of drowning when getting into the water. This is more so for children who need constant supervision around water.
Parents must take extreme precautions to ensure their children’s safety.
According to DEMS, as people participate in swimming and other water-related activities, the number of unfortunate drowning incidents rises over the festive season.
Drowning is the process of respiratory impairment from submersion in liquid and outcomes vary. Drowning can be categorised into different types:
• Near drowning
• Dry drowning
• Freshwater drowning
• Saltwater drowning and
• Secondary drowning
Common causes of drowning:
Lack of supervision: wherever there is swimming in progress, there should always be a lifeguard or an adult with swimming skills or water rescue skills.

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Lack of swimming ability: many children and adults attempt to get in the water without proper swimming training. Formal water safety and swimming lessons under the correct supervision of a skilled lifeguard can dramatically decrease the risk of drowning.
Failure to use life jackets: this should be worn at all times or be readily accessible and in good shape while in water. Those performing cultural and religious rituals are also advised to comply to prevent accidental drowning.
Alcohol usage: avoid drinking alcohol or any intoxicating substances before or during swimming, boating or any water activities. The ability to swim may be severely limited under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances. One may not be able to take precise judgement on how long and how far one can swim.
Never cross over flooded bridges, and river streams, and never use any object or pipes to cross water streams. Trenches left open can be death traps. Due to the heavy rain experienced thus far, such may be filled with rainwater and unsuspecting children can drown while trying to cool themselves. The depth of those trenches is unknown.
In case of an emergency, call 011 458- 0911 (life threatening Ekurhuleni emergency line), 10177 (national toll-free number), or 112 (cellphone).