The joys, dangers of swimming season

We can talk about the latest crime statistics, with overall crime in South Africa decreasing between 2015 and 2016, with 2.1 million crimes reported in the 12 months measured.

All general categories of crime also decreased, except for contact crimes.

For this period, 18 673 murders were committed.

Here in Boksburg, there are certainly a lot of minuses (thus a decrease) when it comes to certain crimes reported at our local police stations. Good news, of are we just happy to settle for a slightly less violent society?

We can talk about the 53 809 cases nationally of vehicles being stolen (which forces more people to take out insurances I guess), but is it really worth still talking about our state of disorder and lawlessness?

After all, it seems, according to some, that in a country of roughly 55 million people,18 673 murders is not all that terrible and we are actually doing alright.

I have heard arguments that South Africa is not out of control when it comes to law and order, and that we enjoy, to some extend, a secure environment.

Do you agree? I don’t know. When looking at our local crime stats I just see chaos and mayhem. Maybe I am wrong, and we should not even be settling for one murder.

We can also talk about the current saga around the Hawks and Pravin Gordhan, and how this can sink our economy once and for all.

There are many conspiracy theories floating around as to why Gordhan is in the firing line, and apparently it has nothing to do with the supposed SARS rogue unit.

Whatever the truth, and we keep in mind politics is a cutthroat business, this country cannot afford another Nenegate and Nkandla saga.

We can also talk about parliament approving Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s nomination to become the new public protector, despite the DA’s approval.

The public protector job is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone, as the office comes with a truckload of stress and anxiety. Not even officially in the char and Mkhwebane is already tasting our country’s thirst to please self-serving agendas. Good luck.

Or how about we talk about sport? I was left quite distressed when I viewed a photo in a national newspaper of a certain Bafana Bafana player and the national coach all smiles, taking selfies.

So what is the problem? Well, the photo was taken, it seems, after the Bafana Bafana match in which they drew 1-1 with Mauritania, therefore no qualification to Afcon.

I don’t know about you, but I certainly would not be smiling and taking selfies if I failed to qualify for Afcon at the hands of Mauritania, of all places. Just shows how we have settled for poor standards.

What I actually want to talk about is that the swimming season is upon us again. And yes, it is rather an irony talking about pools considering the country is suffering from a dry spell.

The dam levels are dropping ever lower, which has already forced Joburg Metro to enforce water restrictions. Watch out, water restrictions will soon be on Ekurhuleni’s doorstep as well.

Swimming season, with all the fun it brings, also brings a lot of danger, especially to toddlers. Already a couple of drownings have occurred.

Scary thing is that a drowning happens so quickly and so easily, despite one’s best efforts to remain vigilant or to put in place the best security measures.

Personally, I am pleased I don’t have a pool at home. Not just because of looming water restrictions (yes, pack away that hosepipe), but because of the dangers it poses to my little one.

So to all parents, let us please continue to remain vigilant, alert and on guard during swimming season. A drowning is a tragedy that no one should ever have to face.

And remember, with water restrictions, more people will most likely flock to public swimming pools, meaning a hive of activity in and around the pool.

This spells even greater danger, therefore parents must, please, remain even more cautious and vigilant when it comes to the safety of their children.

Happy summer all.