Make water safety, a priority
December is one of the best times to cool off at the pool, as South Africa is known for having hot summer days.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) is however, warning locals to be extra cautious during this time.
DEMS spokesman, William Ntladi says negligence by the pools, lakes, dams and different beach fronts along the coast can lead to serious accidents and in some extreme cases, even death.
“Several lives have been lost already and near-drowning incidents reported as a result of water-related accidents in different parts across the City of Ekurhuleni and abroad.
“And most of the people affected by this seem to be young men and children.
“We therefore ask for residents to be extra cautious and vigilant to ensure everyone’s safe, especially if you have a swimming pool at your home,” he says.
There area things that residents can do to beef up on safety measures around water.
“Putting up a gate or fence around the swimming pool on your premises is a necessity. Most people shy away from having a gated and fenced-off swimming pool as it is not visually pleasing.
“A pool cover will also assist with prevention of someone falling into the swimming pool.
“Further, don’t let your children or anyone else swim alone in the pool and try to at least have two people in the water at the same time as it will provide added safety measures,” he says.
Ntladi adds that lifeguards or adults who know how to swim should always be around the pool in case of unexpected eventualities.
Safety inflatable devices should also be readily available and easily accessible, to be thrown out to aid the person in trouble.
“It is important to equip your children with the skill of swimming and if possible, provide them with ar bands, noodles and kicker boards if children are not fully skilled in swimming.
“Parents should remember that it is still their responsibility to look after the safety of their children.
“Having basic first-aid training will also provide you with an extra bit of security, so that if a major emergency happens, you will be able to conduct basic CPR before the arrival of the paramedics,” he says.
