Splash out safely these holidays

THE festive summer season is also when drownings along our coast increase.

According to statistics released by Netcare 911, the service receives more calls related to drowning and water-associated emergencies in December and January than other months.

“This is attributable to the high volumes of tourists, both foreign and local, who flock to the beaches during school holidays and over the festive season,” said the head of clinical leadership at Netcare 911, David Stanton.

He said incidents of drownings were also significantly higher in the coastal areas than inland at this time of the year.

“Looking at data from Netcare 911 for the period October 1, 2016 to September 30 this year, up to 62% of all drowning incidents occurred during peak summer months. Coastal areas reflect 55% of all drowning incidents,” he said.

Statistics revealed that KwaZulu-Natal saw the highest percentage, with 40% of drowning incidents during the 12-month period, which could be linked to the warm weather. In the Western Cape it peaks at just over 10%.

“In any emergency situation, the most important thing to do is to contact the correct emergency number immediately,” Stanton said. “Try to memorise the number for emergency services in your area, and keep the number saved on your cellphone and close to your landline telephone.”

National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson Andrew Ingram urged beachgoers to be extra cautious at the beach.

“Children should always have responsible adult supervision when in or near water.

“Swim at beaches where and when lifeguards are on duty and swim between their flags. And don’t drink alcohol before you swim,” he said.

Ingram advised beach-goers never to swim alone and to always swim in groups. Don’t let children use floating objects, toys or tyre tubes at the beach or on dams as they may cause you to be blown to deep water by winds.”