Ugu swim coaches focus on water safety

Ugu Aquatics swimming coaches embarked on yet another free swim session recently, these being held at the St Mike’s beach tidal pool.

The sessions were held under the watchful eye of vastly experienced coach Mandy Koegelenberg.
The aim was to create water awareness and teach people more about water safety, especially in and around the ocean.

Many locals and holidaymakers eagerly participated in the programme.
One of the attendees witnessed a drowning at Shelly Beach the week before.
His desire was to learn how to swim and to know what to do should he encounter this kind of situation again.
Ugu Aquatics thanked all the coaches involved in the programme.

SAFETY TIPS
1. Swim with a buddy in a supervised area. Never swim alone.
2. Be cool, follow the rules. Rules are there to protect you from injuries or death.
3. Look before you leap. Many people have sustained lifelong injuries because they did not take the time to look around in the water to see if it is safe. Is it deep enough for you to jump in? Is it to deep for you? Is there anything in the water that can cause injuries?
4. Think before you sink. Know your limits. If you don’t know how to swim, stay out. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay in the shallows. If you are under the influence, just don’t swim.
5. Reach or throw before you go. Never jump in to help a drowning person! Rather throw a floatation device towards the distressed person. If he/she is close enough and you can reach with a stick, broom or even a towel, do that.
6. Listen to the lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained and appointed by the local authority to keep you safe. It is a pity that so many people get injured because they disregard the lifeguard’s instruction. It’s best to listen to them.

(Written by Edward Holden-Smith)

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