Don’t drink and dive

The Randfontein Police would like to warn residents about taking a swim responsibly this festive season.

Many incidents of drowning are due to negligence, high-risk water activities, poor preparation before entering the water, irresponsible use of alcohol and drugs and poor or no supervision of children near water.

Police gave tips on how to do water activities safely.

They say that organisers of water activities should ensure all appropriate equipment with the necessary emergency instructions are provided during the activity.

Knowing CPR is a skill that could be the difference between life and death and it should be one of the prerequisites when doing a water activity.

They urge that the public take special care at isolated dams, rivers and pools especially after heavy rain. Even an inflatable pool or a bucket of water can be detrimental for toddlers without supervision.

As for the sea, police warn to be extra cautious when taking a dip in the dark waters – even experienced swimmers have drowned in the sea.

Sea swimming safety tips from the police:

• Before entering the sea, swimmers must take time to watch the waves and should 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 leaving 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 the very least do not go in deep.

• It is better to swim when the tide is rising as the sea will tend to wash you ashore and the backwash and rip currents are not so strong.

• Check with the lifeguard(s) 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 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.

• Be considerate of other swimmers, especially when surfing.

• Never swim while you are intoxicated – an intoxicated swimmer will tire more easily.

• Avoid swimming immediately after a big meal, as there is a danger of having cramps.

• Do not dive into shallow seawater.

• Do not swim in river mouths, in dirty water, very early in the mornings, early evenings or after it had rained as shark activity increases in these conditions. Also do not swim when bluebottles are present as they are poisonous.

• Never swim alone – use the buddy system.

• Do not overestimate your swimming ability, especially early in the summer when the water is cold. One’s swimming ability severely decreases in cold water.

•If you are confronted by a large wave and there is not enough time to swim or move away from it, try to dive underneath the wave. Keep your body as low as possible until the wave has passed over you. Timing is important, dive into the base of the wave just before it breaks. Do not dive if the water is too shallow – instead crouch and keep a low body profile.

• If you are caught in rip currents, relax and swim toward the shore at a 45-degree angle until you are free of the current.

• Never try to swim ashore against the current – it will only tire you.

• If the rip currents are strong, swim parallel with the shoreline in the same direction as the littoral current, and then swim diagonally toward the shore.

• If you are not able to swim out of the currents, call or wave for help.

• Never leave a young child unattended near water and never make a child responsible for another child – not even for five minutes.

• 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.

• Be alert and steer clear of plant and animal life. Jellyfish, stingrays and other marine animals can cause painful stings or allergic reactions. Brushing up against certain types of seaweed or coral can result in painful scratches and scrapes.