Watch those children, help prevent drowning
JOBURG – The Mayoral Committee for Public Safety for the City of Joburg shares tips for little ones around the pool.
Children continue to spend time at home while parents have returned back to work.
Guardians are cautioned that their children are still at risk of drowning despite knowing how to swim.
“Among the many extra-mural activities children will find themselves engaged in when not sitting in front of the television will be swimming,” said councillor Mally Mokoena, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety.
Mokoena added that a large number of drownings occurred in private pools and resorts and sadly most involved children. “Our emergency services are on standby to assist but it is very important that parents and guardians follow basic safety precautions especially if there is a swimming pool at home.”
The following tips were given by the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, the City of Joburg to help children to stay safe while swimming:
- Never allow your child to swim alone without any adult supervision. It is quite common to develop a cramp underwater or for accidents like for example, hitting your head while diving to occur. It is advisable that there should be persons around to help in such situations.
- Do not allow children with no knowledge of swimming in or around the pool. For good pool safety, make sure that all children above the age of four attend a certified swimming class or at least learn basic flotation techniques and life-saving techniques.
- Enclose your pool with a fence and a gate which can be locked. Do not leave the pool open and accessible since children can fall in. If the pool has a cover always ensure that it is completely covered and secured.
- Avoid leaving your children alone even with small portable pools or water bodies such as buckets, fountains, and barrels. There is always a danger of drowning even in small bodies of water.
- Spas and hot tubs must also be avoided especially in the case of younger children whose bodies are susceptible to overheating.
- For good pool safety, you can make sure that there is always a life-saving flotation device handy near the pool. Also, every parent should be conversant in basic CPR techniques in case of an accident as well as be vigilant of children.
