With a population that comes into contact with bodies of water everywhere, it is vital that people learn how to swim.
Every year, a number of families lose loved ones in drowning incidents. With several public holidays coming up, some people may be planning to visit the coast or laze around a swimming pool.
People are urged to be careful.
Kim Habib, from ER24, said the concern is that most people do not know how to swim or swim poorly.
“Learn to swim. You are never too young or too old to learn,” she said.
People should remember however that anyone, even those who can swim, are at risk of drowning.
Risk-taking and overconfidence in swimming ability may play a significant role in water-related deaths.
Children:
- Never allow a child to swim without adult supervision. Also, never leave youngsters unsupervised around water bowls or bathtubs for example.
- You can drown in approximately two centimetres of water.
- Ensure children wear a life jacket if they cannot swim.
- Keep your pool covered with an approved cover when not in use.
Safe swimming in open water:
- Do not swim too far out into the ocean. After a while, you may
struggle due to fatigue or get swept away further due to strong currents. - Wearing a life jacket is vital. Remember your life jacket when
participating in water sports such as boating, tubing or rafting. - When at the ocean, swim in designated areas that are supervised by
lifeguards. - Never swim alone.
- Remember that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in
a pool. - Never dive or jump into unfamiliar or shallow water.
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