How to prevent drowning of children

After a 7-year-old boy recently drowned in a dam between Randfontein and Tarlton, the Herald has decided to offer the public some tips to reduce the risk of drowning and prevent drowning.

Around the pool:

• The gate should have a self-latching mechanism

• Do not prop open the pool gate

• Use safety covers for pools not in use

• Never leave a child unattended near a pool

• Do not use flotation toys as life preservers

• Never assume children are drown-proof, even if they can swim

• Remove toys from the pool when the children are finished swimming to prevent them from trying to recover them when unsupervised

• Empty out all water from a wading pool when you are finished using it

• Remove any ladders from an above-ground pool when not in use

• If you leave your child with a babysitter, make sure she/ he knows your rules for the pool

If your child, or anybody else’s child is in trouble in the water, this is what you need to do:

• Throw the child something that floats or offer him/ her a long object to hold onto

• At all costs, avoid becoming a victim too

• Discourage children from jumping into the water

• If you must go in, take something for the child to hold onto rather than permitting him/ her to grab onto you

• Warn children about faking cries for help or pretending to be in trouble

Everybody in your home should be taught simple rescue methods and first aid, especially CPR.

Important emergency numbers:

• Netcare: 911

• SAPS: 082 911 10111

Source – Netcare 911

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.

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