Stay safe in the water this summer

On average 450 children drown in South Africa every year.

It is also common for people to drown after entering the water to help someone else in distress.

Peer rescue is an operation conducted by anyone standing by at the time of a drowning incident.

These rescues can be done by a parent or by children. Peer rescues normally take place at a home pool, in rivers and dams and at beaches.

As a rescuer, never attempt to jump into the water when someone is drowning.

One should first try and get hold of a flotation device or something to grab onto, such as a rope, stick, towel or pool net.

If you cannot find such, call for help on the emergency number 112.

King Cetshwayo water safety instructor Mncedisi Hlalatu offers free, age-appropriate water safety lessons to schools and organisations, who can contact him on 076 7693419 or mncedisi@searescue.org.za