Research figures show drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in South Africa, and children are at the greatest risk of drowning compared to any other age group.
Therefore, the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) urges parents to prevent the little ones from falling victim to drowning by keeping a watchful eye on their children, during the wet season in particular.
“The festive season has its own disadvantages. Schools will soon be closed and children will be roaming around enjoying their holidays,” said DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi.
“The temptation of swimming in unmonitored ponds is very high. These ponds vary in depths, in certain areas. Some areas are quite deep and muddy which act as trap zones for the unsuspecting victims. Water current might be too strong as well for the unsuspecting swimmers.”
He said children do not require large water sources, such as a swimming pool or dam, to be at risk.
“The water in common household items, such as unprotected buckets and garden ponds, can be dangerous for young children. DEMS urges parents to take extra care around all water sources in the household as they are hazards for small children who can easily slip away unnoticed.”
To try and keep your child water safe at home, Ntladi offers the following suggestions:
Key prevention tips:
- Know where your child is and what he or she is always doing.
- Keep them away from rivers, lakes and all other open water sources.
- Fence the pool and keep the gate locked.
- A coversheet should be in place when the pool is not in use.
- While swimming in the pool, children should be under adult supervision.
- Ritual and religious practices in and around rivers and lakes by adults still spell danger of drowning. Life jackets are necessary for those entering the water.
- Cross the river using an appropriate route, such as vehicle and pedestrian bridges, not water and sewerage pipes constructed over the rivers.
The right numbers to call in case of emergency
- 10177: National toll-free number
- 112: Cellphone
- 011 458 0911: Life-Threatening Ekurhuleni Emergency Line
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