This festive season social gatherings will be mostly held around public or private swimming pools, as well as at lakes, dams and rivers. This will inevitably put people’s lives at risk particularly young children and people who do not know how to swim.
The Ekurhuleni metro’s EMS reminds residents to follow water safety tips as drowning is the second leading cause of accidental deaths among people between the age of five and 24 years.
“Summertime is a fun time with great weather for children to play in and around water, however, swimming can be potentially dangerous.
“Parents need to recognise that swimming lessons do not protect kids from drowning, only constant supervision can,” says EMS spokesperson, William Ntladi.
“Therefore, parents are urged to keep an eye on their children and to know of their whereabouts at all times in areas where there are water bodies or swimming pools.
“It is important for residents to know the types of precautions to take to keep children safe in the water. Water-related accidents can be avoided by following a few simple guidelines to know how to stay safe in and around water.”
Basic safety rules in and around the pool and at home:
* Install the safety barrier around your home swimming pool.
* Empty baths, basins, sinks and troughs immediately after use.
* Empty children’s paddling pools when they are not in use.
* Close top-loading washing machines.
* Install a mesh cover over the fish ponds.
Public swimming pools are usually supervised by lifeguards, however, accidents still occur:
* Read and obey notices.
* Follow the instructions of pool lifeguards.
* Ensure that the water depth is appropriate for swimming or diving.
* If you are a weak swimmer, stay away from the deep water.
* Check that the water is clear of other people before jumping or diving.
* Play safely and do not hinder the enjoyment of other swimmers.
* Don’t force anyone to swim to the deep end of the water if they cannot swim.
Water safety in and around rivers, dams and lakes:
A river has a continuous and often fast current that when combined with submerged logs, overhanging branches and other obstacles can create extremely dangerous situations. Take extreme care when entering the rivers because of their changeable nature.
Lakes and dams may present a deceptively still, flat appearance that can promote false sense of security, however, conditions may change.
Precautions to be considered when swimming in the river, dams and lakes:
* Be careful not to be standing on the overhanging bank, it can collapse.
* Before entering the water, check for the presence and strength of the current.
* If caught in the fast strong river current, travel feet first in order to protect the head and body from serious injuries.
* If drawn over a weir, immediately dive to the bottom, tuck into a ball and hold your breath until thrown to the surface.
* Before attempting to dive, check the depth and explore the bottom to locate any hazards.
* Enter cold water slowly and remain in only for short period.
* Be aware of streams, creeks, ponds, ditches, etc. that may be located on or near your property. Make certain that a responsible adult knows the whereabouts of small children at all times if there is any water nearby. If a child is missing, search the water area first to save valuable seconds.
Water safety in and around the sea or ocean:
* Don`t swim too far into the sea or ocean.
* Always swim or surf at places patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards.
* Swim between the Red and the Yellow flags. They mark the safer bathing area. Read and obey the signs.
* Sand in eyes – if you get sand in your eyes do not rub, rinse the eyes with clean water.
* If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifeguard.
* Never run or dive into the water. Water conditions may change.
* Teach children and adolescents to avoid situations which could create the potential for danger, like swimming in restricted or isolated areas.
* If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Signal for help, float and wait for assistance.
* Learn how to spot a rip and keep clean on it. A rip can be recognized by sand coloured or rippled water running out to sea when the water on either side is generally cleaner. The waves may also be larger and breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip.
* The blue bottle – jelly-like marine animals noted for their ability to float and sting. As will all bites and stings, the victim should receive first aid immediately. When you are stung apply ice over the affected area as soon as possible.
Emergency numbers to call in the event of an emergency:
The Ekurhuleni’s DEMS Emergency Number: 011 458 0911 (paid line)
National Emergency Number: 10177
Cell phone Emergency number: 112
