Drowning accidents can be avoided

Did you know:

• Drowning is a silent killer; the victims do not make any noise when it happens.

• A person can drown within 30 seconds.

• A person can drown in just 2.5cm of water.

Pool safety

Make sure your swimming pool is completely secured by fencing, a self-latching gate, safety covers and pool alarms.

Children should never swim alone. Always supervise them in or near water.

Teach your children to swim at a very young age. They should also know how to tread water and float on their backs.

Avoid dangerous games such as running around the pool, dunking or jumping in on top of each other, and teach your children never to pretend-play that they’re in trouble.

Beaches and oceans

Respect the ocean – never stand with your back to the ocean.

Never swim alone.

Only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

Beware of rip currents, strong jets of water that pull you away from the shore.

Avoid swimming where the water is sandy and ‘rippled’, forming a clear path towards the deep sea.

Never swim in rough water.

Make sure your feet can always touch the ground.

If you do get in trouble, try to float on your back and wave for help.

Dams, lakes and ponds

Obey ‘no swimming’ signs.

Always enter the water feet first. Never dive or jump in — you could get seriously injured if the water is too shallow or there are submerged logs and rocks.

Do not swim near boat ramps or in boating areas.

Look out for crocodiles and other dangerous animals.

Never allow children to swim in drainage ditches or other water-filled areas not intended for swimming.

Rivers and streams

Teach your children to always ask permission to go near water.

Children playing in or near water must have adult supervision.

It is a bad idea to swim in a river, as the currents are often stronger than they appear. If you are unsure of how strong the current is, throw a stick in the water to check how fast the water is moving.

If you do get caught in a current, float on your back downstream with your feet first to avoid a head injury.

Baths, buckets and fish ponds

Buckets, bathtubs and fish ponds claim the lives of hundreds of babies and toddlers every year. A child can drown in just 2.5 cm of water.

Always know where your children are.

Never leave small children unattended in the bath.

Empty baths, buckets, tubs, containers and paddling pools immediately after use – or put on a firm lid.

Cover your fish pond with a rigid metal grille (not flimsy chicken wire), or fill it with sand if you have young children.

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