In an effort to reduce the number of drownings over the festive season, City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) hosted a Learn how to Swim campaign at the swimming pool in Ivory Park.
Hundreds of children from Mathole and Dulcie primary schools participated. Statistics indicate that a large number of drowning incidents happen in people’s homes, especially children under the age of five years. EMS advises parents to supervise their children all the time while swimming even if they have received professional lessons.
“The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services has recorded and responded to 53 drowning and near-drowning incidents between September last year and February this year,” said Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson for the emergency services.
“This compared to 65 recorded around the same period in September 2015 to February 2016. Even though we have seen a reduction in terms of the number of drowning and water-related incidents we cannot celebrate until we achieve an incident-free summer season.”
The campaign will target all seven regions of Johannesburg including the most vulnerable communities in various informal settlements. Mobile swimming pools will be used to demonstrate swimming safety at schools.
Swimming safety tips:
- Learn to swim and teach children to swim
- Learn how to perform CPR
- Know your emergency numbers
- Always use your municipal public swimming pools because they have lifeguards on site
- Do not swim in the rivers and dams
- Children should not swim alone
- Install a fence with a locked gate around your swimming pool.
Details: EMS 10177 or 112 or 011 375 5911
Which memory comes to mind when you hear the word drowning. Have you ever lost a loved one through drowning? Share your story with us by emailing our editor at daniellap@caxton.co.za
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