Cops on alert after teen, 13, drowns in Elandsvlei dam
Police issue tips on avoiding drowning tragedy this festive season.
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The Randfontein Police have issued a drowning warning and have provided tips after a teen drowned earlier this year in a dam.
The 13-year-old teenager drowned after swimming in an Elandsvlei dam on a small holding. He was allegedly swimming with a group of children aged between 9 and 15 at the time of the incident.
The group were apparently playing and swimming in the dam when suddenly, the teen drowned.
According to Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson, police divers had to retrieve the body and later an inquest into the teens death was launched.
Subsequently, the Randfontein Police have issued valuable tips this festive season in order to avoid tragedy.
Preventative measures:
• Do not leave children unattended near water
• Never leave a child responsible for another child – not even for five minutes
• Teach children to ask permission to go near water
• If a child is missing, check water first
• Do not use swimming aids and pool accessories in lieu of approved flotation devices
• Never swim alone
• Do not overestimate your swimming ability
• Do not drink and swim
• Do not dive into shallow water
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