Tips to avoid drowning

MBOMBELA – With the continued scorching of the sun, many opt to cool themselves by swimming and hence many drowning cases have been reported.

Here are a few tips to avoid drowning:

1. Avoid swimming or boating in high running water, check water conditions with a raft company, boating store, local park staff or sheriff marine patrol before setting out.

2. Check how cold or fast the water is running before you jump in.

3. Respond quickly if someone appears to be in trouble. Your friend may really be in trouble.

4. Never dive or jump into unfamiliar or shallow water. Check for submerged objects and make sure the water is at least 10 to 12 feet deep.

Swimming in lakes and rivers is harder than swimming in a pool. Drowning most often happens when someone gets too tired to make it back to shore. Friends who are there are tired too and can’t help.

– If you don’t know how to swim well, find someone to teach you. Learn to float and tread water too. Call your local pool and ask if they have classes for young adults.
– If you are tired, rest and stay out of the water.
– Never use alcohol or drugs while you’re swimming, diving or in a boat. Alcohol’s effects are heightened by the weather, water and boat movement.

No matter how good a swimmer you are, it is easy to misjudge the water or your skills. Weather and water conditions change quickly. Once you get tired or fall in, it may be too late to put on a life jacket. Life jackets are sold in stylish designs, and they aren’t as bulky as they used to be.