Water police concerned about increase in drownings
Children should be supervised and educated about the dangers of playing near water.
Members of the SAPS Gauteng Water Policing and Diving Services recovered the bodies of 16 drowning victims in two weeks.
According to Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, spokesperson for the Benoni Flying Squad (BFS), diving units which form part of the Rapid Response Services (RRS) were deployed to 11 reported incidents of drowning from October 19 to November 2.
“They conducted recoveries in Springs, Kagiso, Boschkop, Florida, Temba, Welbekend, Roodepoort, Dobsonville quarry, Bronkhorstspruit and Pretoria North,” he said.
“The most tragic event occurred on October 20 on the Vaal River when a 16ft boat with a group of people capsised. A three-year-old child was among the victims, together with three adults.”
This police unit recovered the body of a naked man, estimated in his 40s in a nearby dam on October 29 in Moroka, Soweto.
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According to Giblin, investigations revealed the man had been assaulted and had lashes on his back.
With the festive season approaching and many residents preparing to spend a well-deserved break along the banks of the country’s rivers and dams, Giblin cautions holiday makers to remain vigilant.
“Anyone setting out to spend recreational time on the water should ensure they equipped their vessels with life jackets and that passengers are wearing these lifesaving floating devices at all times,” he said.
“Children should be supervised and educated about the dangers of playing near water.
He further stated with rain being forecasted, the public should avoid crossing rivers.
“In the event where anyone witnesses a suspected drowning, we urge onlookers to identify two or more beacons, which will help narrow the search area for the responding divers.
“In case of an emergency call 10111, remain calm when relaying the incident to the call centre operator, giving detailed information regarding the location and the number of victims,” said Giblin.
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