Drowning and water safety tips explained
According to Herbst, drowning is defined as the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid.
Netcare 911 media liaison officer Shawn Herbst advised that most drownings inland occur at residential homes, and those most affected are children.
“A small percentage of drownings occur in dams and rivers, however, this increases in times of flooding, or when alcohol is involved.”
According to Herbst, drowning is defined as the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid.
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“During drowning, water enters through the nose and mouth and causes the person to initially gasp for air, and swallow small amounts of water,” he said.
“What follows is the natural reflex to hold one’s breath before the urge to inhale becomes overwhelming.
“Parents and caregivers should never leave a young child alone near a swimming pool or any body of water.
“Caregivers should always be within arm’s length of a young child while supervising them near water.
“If a care giver finds a child submerged in a swimming pool and he or she is comfortable, competent and able to safely swim, then the child needs to be retrieved immediately.
“However, it needs to be stressed that if the child caregiver is not competent at swimming, he or she needs to call for appropriate help from neighbours, or someone nearby.”
Herbst provides the following safety tips for general water safety and safety in residential swimming pools and spas.
• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Adult supervision is always needed.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Teach children to swim.
• Fence the pool off.
• Block pool and spa access.
• Remove toys or objects children may be attracted to from the pool.
Other safety measures include being aware of drains, keeping emergency equipment handy, swimming in view of a lifeguard, wearing life jackets, staying in designated swimming areas and placing feet in the water body first.
He added that in case of an emergency, authorities such as paramedics should be called to the scene immediately.
