Swimming safety tips

Holidaymakers are warned to be extra-cautious while swimming at the sea, dams, rivers or swimming pools. This warning comes after a number of people have drowned recently in parts of the KwaZulu-Natal province. With the festive season in full swing, drowning is an ever-present risk when people swim in rivers, at beaches, dams and swimming pools. Drownings are often linked to the misuse of alcohol and recklessness. 

Here are some water safety tips to follow:

1- 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. 

2- Check the weather and the tides before you leave home. If the sea is too rough, you could be swept away.

3- Only enter where the waves are straight and gentle. 

4- If you experience a strong current, get out of the sea or at least do not go in deep. 

5- 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. 

6- Check with the lifeguards on duty what the surf conditions are before entering the sea. 

7- Only swim in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards. 

8- If the lifeguards give you directions or instructions from the beach, obey them.

9- 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.

ALSO READ: Water Wednesday: Children drowning remains a big problem in SA

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