How to take the heat

The heatwave currently sweeping through the region may lead to cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

“In these weather conditions, people are advised to stay indoors if possible and to keep cool by taking lots of fluids and by wearing light clothing,” says William Ntladi, spokesman for the DEMS.

“Parents are especially advised to keep an eye on their children and to ensure that they are protected from the sun by wearing hats and applying sunscreen.”

Those who tackle the heat by taking a dip in the pool are also advised to take precaution.

“In terms of water safety, nothing beats adult supervision,” Ntladi emphasises.

Those utilising public swimming pools should be mindful of the rules of the facility and listen to the instructions of officials on duty at all times.

Weaker swimmers are advised to remain in the shallow end and all swimmers are reminded to test the depth of the pool before diving or jumping.

The hot, dry and windy weather also presents a threat of veld fires, therefore residents are discouraged from making fires around dry grass and from discarding hot cigarette buds out in the open.

More tips on how to survive the heat wave:

• Avoid direct sunlight by wearing a hat and use sunscreen.
• Don’t leave children or pets in parked or locked vehicles.
• Stay in the shade.
• Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration.
• Take frequent breaks if you are working outdoors.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated or carbonated drinks.
• Wear light coloured clothes.

Parents should follow these pool safety guidelines to keep their children safe:

• Install a four-sided fence around the swimming pool.
• The fencing around the swimming pool must be high enough to keep children from climbing over it and it must have a self-closing or self-latching gate that is above the reach of children.
• Around the swimming pool, there should not be any items nearby that would allow children to climb over the fence to access the pool.
• Pool covers, door alarms, and pool alarms work well in conjunction with fences but they are not a substitute for a fence.
• Swimming pools should be covered with a pool-net at all times whenever not in use.
• Keep toys away from the swimming pool and its surrounds when not being used.
• Air-filled or floating devices are not substitutions for life jackets and are not meant to be used as safety devices.