WITH an estimated 600 children dying from drowning in the country each year, the National Sea Rescue Institute says water safety has become a major national concern which requires intensive education.
Since the institute established its water safety education programme in 2006, it has managed to reach 2.6 million people throughout the country.
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The programme provides free water safety lessons to children, especially those from previously disadvantaged communities who are at high risk of drowning.
More drownings occur inland than in the sea, with most children under the age of five drowning around the house in buckets, basins, baths or swimming pools, as well as in pit latrines in rural areas.
Sea Rescue aims to reduce the number of drownings.
To ensure safety around the house, parents are urged to empty all tubs, basins and bathtubs after chores and install pool safety nets or covers over swimming pools.
Children need constant supervision when in or around water.
Listed below are tips to help reduce the chances of drowning for those living near a river or dam:
* Always ask, am I safe?
* Don’t attempt crossing rivers in flood.
* Be aware that the water depth in dams and rivers can quickly change.
* Watch out for slippery stones or rocks as these can injure or cause you to fall into the water.
* Consider how fast the water is flowing.
* Never swim alone, even if you are a good swimmer. Always swim with a buddy and never jump or dive in if you can’t see what is below the water’s surface.
* It is extremely dangerous to get into the water to rescue someone, so rather throw something that floats to the person in difficulty, such as a rope or hold out a long stick/pipe to that person and call for help (112 emergency number from a cell phone).
* Always face the water as slips happen easily.
* Water collected should be stored safely and out of reach of young children.
* Try and find someone in your area to sponsor the erection of a NSRI pink rescue buoy near the dam or river.
* Remember the emergency numbers.
* Learn how to do hands-on CPR.
Contact Slindile Mkhize if you require water safety lessons at your organisation (after the lockdown) on 072 1241255.
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