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Do not use rivers and dams as alternatives to beaches – DWS

This has often resulted in an increased number of drownings

THE Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has warned South Africans not to resort to rivers and dams as alternatives to beaches this festive season.

This follows the circulation of various images on social media of people swimming in rivers and dams after the announcement that beaches will be closed on certain days to curb the spread of Covid-19.

ALSO READ: NSRI prepared for bumper festive season

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced there will be no access to Eastern Cape beaches between 16 December 2020 and 3 January 2021, while access to KZN beaches is prohibited on busy days until 3 January.

‘Traditionally, the festive season is notorious for drownings as most people take to swimming in water facilities, including swimming pools, to cool down,’ said DWS spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau.

He said that, in some cases, children have drowned while swimming in water tunnels that are used for agricultural purposes.

 

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