Amanzimtoti lifeguards equipped to deal with Covid-19
Although all the lifeguards are qualified, we have to re-invent water safety.
Coinciding with World Restart a Heart Day on Friday, 16 October, Kingsway High School paramedic, Chris Botha held a CPR refresher course for Toti lifeguards and beach management on Wednesday, 14 October.
“This was for the lifeguards to familiarise themselves with new equipment to deal with Covid-19. Protocols have changed due to the pandemic. When you save someone you can endanger yourself without even knowing it now,” said acting beach manager Jace Govender, who is in charge of 32 lifeguards from Isipingo to the Hlangona River.
He has remained on duty with skeleton staff during lockdown. “Although all the lifeguards are qualified, we have to re-invent water safety and the reality is Covid-19 is not going anywhere. We need to be equipped to save ourselves to save others.” Beach management has received Covid equipment from eThekwini Municipality. “We have tested various masks from around the world, but we have found nothing that is conducive to ocean water,” said Jace.
“CPR has changed so much now,” said Chris. “You can give an adult five to 10 minutes of CPR without mouth-to-mouth – this is called hands-free CPR. This came out before Covid-19, but is more emphasised now. If a patient has Covid symptoms, you need full protection equipment before you can treat them.”
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