Keep your children safe around water this summer

Heavy rains recently caused extensive destruction in most areas around Ekurhuleni.

Rivers, streams, dams and many open trenches were filled with water; spelling a danger to the innocent and vulnerable members of our society – children.

Many children walk by themselves to and from school, across streams or rivers – and parents are urged to accompany them at all times.

Schools and industries will soon be closing for the festive season and social gatherings will be 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 don’t know how to swim.

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) reminds residents to follow water safety tips, as drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths.

“Summertime is a fun time with great weather for children to play in and around water, however swimming can be potentially dangerous,” said DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi.

“Parents need to recognise that swimming lessons don’t protect kids from drowning; only constant supervision can.”

Parents are urged to keep an eye on their children and to know of their whereabouts at all times, in areas where there are bodies of water or swimming pools.

It’s important for residents to know the types of precautions to take, to keep their 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 a safety barrier around your swimming pool at home.

• Empty baths, basins, sinks and troughs immediately after use.

• Empty children’s paddling pools when they aren’t in use.

• Close top loading washing machines.

• Install a cover over fish ponds.

Public swimming pools are usually supervised by lifeguards, however accidents still occur:

• Read and obey notices.

• Follow the instructions of lifeguards.

• Ensure that the water depth is appropriate for swimming or diving.

• If you are a weak swimmer, stay away from the deep end.

• Check that the water is clear of other people before jumping or diving.

• Play safely and don’t hinder the enjoyment of other swimmers.

• Don’t force anyone to swim to the deep end if they can’t 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 rivers, because of their changeable nature.

Lakes and dams may present a deceptively still, flat appearance that can promote a false sense of security, however conditions can change.

Precautions to be considered when swimming in rivers, dams and lakes:

• Be careful not to be standing on an overhanging bank, as 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’s any water nearby.

If a child is missing, search the water area first to save valuable seconds.

Water safety in and around the sea/ocean:

• Don’t swim too far into the sea/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.

• 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 current and keep clear of it.

A rip current can be recognised by coloured sand 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.

• Be aware of blue bottles – jelly-like marine creatures noted for their ability to float and sting.

As with all bites and stings, the victim should receive first aid immediately.

Apply ice over the affected area as soon as possible.

Call the following numbers in the event of an emergency:

• Ekurhuleni’s DEMS emergency number: 011 458 0911.

• National emergency number: 10177.

• Cellphone emergency number: 112.