Emergency Services calls for responsible behaviour near pools

POLOKWANE – While this is a perfectly acceptable way to spend your time off, Emergency Services is urging the public to be vigilant and responsible as drowning is a common occurrence over the festive period.
No less than 10 children have drowned in local dams in Limpopo in the past few months.
ER24 shares a few tips to prevent drowning:
• Remember that anyone, including people who can swim, are at risk of drowning. Avoid taking risks and being overconfident.
• Refrain from drinking alcohol if you plan on swimming or if you are supervising others who are swimming. Remember that alcohol impairs movement and thinking.
• Children must always be supervised while around water. Never allow a child to swim without adult supervision.
• Keep your pool covered with an approved safety/pool net when not in use. It is a good idea to put a fence around your pool if it is not fenced.
• Never dive into or act recklessly around a pool. Remember that you could easily fall or slip into the water and get injured.
• Do not swim far out into the ocean. You may struggle due to fatigue or get swept away. Swim in designated areas.
• Wear a life jacket, especially when participating in water sports.
• Never swim alone.
• Learn how to swim if you do not know how to.
• It is vital that you learn first aid and CPR because you never know when you may need to assist someone in need.
riana@nmgroup.co.za