Ladysmith KZN: Safety tips for swimming

With the soaring temperatures, swimming in cool water brings some welcome relief. But drowning is an ever-present risk when people go on outings to rivers, beaches, dams and swimming pools.

Below are water safety tips to be followed:

• Before entering the sea, swimmers must take time to watch the waves and must avoid places where there is a strong backwash, obvious rip currents or a danger of being washed onto the rocks.
• Check the weather and the tides before you leave home – if the sea is too rough, you could be swept away.
• Only enter where the waves are straight and gentle.
• If you experience a strong current, get out of the sea, or at least do not go in deep.
• Never swim while you are intoxicated. Alcohol impairs judgement and unnecessary risks are taken. An intoxicated swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident or drowning.
• Check with the lifeguards on duty what the surf conditions are before entering the sea.
• Only swim in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards.
• If the lifeguards give you directions or instructions from the beach, obey them.
• Look out for warning signs and flags – a red flag means it is dangerous to swim.
• A red-and-yellow flag means lifeguards are on duty and you should only swim in the area between the flags.
• Avoid swimming immediately after a big meal, as there is a danger of having cramps.
• Do not dive into shallow seawater – many paraplegics broke their necks by diving into shallow pools and dams.
• Do not swim in river mouths, in dirty water, very early in the morning, early evening or after it has rained, as shark activity increases in these conditions. Also do not swim when bluebottles are present, as they are poisonous.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and never make a child responsible for another child – not even for five minutes. Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing drowning or permanent disability.
• Swimming aids, such as water wings or noodles, are fun toys for kids, but they should never be used instead of approved flotation devices.

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