Summer swimming safety tips

Be extra cautious when swimming at beaches, rivers or swimming pools.

This warning from the South African Police comes after a number of people drowned recently in Durban and on the South Coast.

“As the festive season approaches, drowning is an ever-present risk when people go on outings to rivers, beaches, dams and swimming pools,” said Lt Col Thulani Zwane of the SAPS KZN media centre.

Many incidents of drowning are linked to the misuse of alcohol and recklessness.

Water safety tips:

• Before entering the sea, take time to watch the waves and avoid places where there is a strong backwash, obvious rip currents or a danger of being washed onto the rocks.
• Check the weather and tides before you leave home – if the sea is too rough, you could be swept away.

• Only enter where the waves are straight and gentle.
• If you experience a strong current, get out of the sea or do not go in deep.
• Never swim while you are intoxicated. Alcohol impairs judgement and unnecessary risks are taken. An intoxicated swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident or drowning.

• Check with the lifeguards on duty about the surf conditions before entering the sea.
• Only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Obey the lifeguards’ directions or instructions from the beach.
• Look out for warning signs and flags – a red flag means it is dangerous to swim. A red-and-yellow flag means lifeguards are on duty and you should only swim in the area between the flags.
• Avoid swimming immediately after a big meal, as there is a danger of cramping.
• Do not dive into shallow seawater.
• Do not swim in river mouths, in dirty water, very early in the morning or evenings, or after it has rained, as shark activity increases in these conditions. Also do not swim when bluebottles are present, as they are poisonous.

• Never leave a young child unattended near water and never make a child responsible for another child – not even for five minutes. Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing a drowning or permanent disability.
• Swimming aids, such as water wings or noodles, are fun toys for children, but they should never be used instead of approved flotation devices.

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