Tips to avert water mishaps
SUMMER holidays are times to enjoy for families and individuals escaping the heat wave and result in excessive activities around rivers, dams and oceans.
The Department of Water and Sanitation urges citizens to obey safety rules and regulations around dams, rivers and oceans across the country during festive seasons and beyond.
Most of the inland holidaymakers will be flocking to the seaside, many of them first-timers to the beach.
It is important that visitors take note of beach safety precautions indicated on municipal notice boards, with life guards appointed to monitor and enforce beach safety procedures.
Flags are erected in the sand near the water’s edge to indicate the areas that are safe for swimming. It is important that bathers don’t swim outside these flags, as they may be caught in rip currents and swept out to sea.
At certain beaches, sirens will sound in the event that a shark is spotted.
If you are in the water when this happens, leave the water quickly but calmly.
When entering a boat it is a prerequisite to have a lifesaving jacket on you at all times because even good swimmers are susceptible to drowning. Alcohol and water don’t mix. Stay away from dams, rivers and sea water when intoxicated.
Public swimming pools are usually supervised by lifeguards, but accidents still occur.
It is essential to follow instructions of pool lifeguards and obey safety notices. Always ensure that water depth in the pool is appropriate for swimming or diving.
Constantly check that water is clear of other users before jumping or diving in to lessen the possibility of collisions and injuring both you and other people in water, causing drowning.
Lakes and dams are a serious spot in most deep rural areas of South Africa where many teenagers lose their lives due to a lack of knowledge and safety around water.
It is essential that any activity around lakes, dams and rivers happens under adult supervision.
Before any attempt to enter any water, check the presence and strength of the current flow. If caught in a fast-flowing river current, travel feet-first in order to protect the head and body from serious injuries.
Safety in homes is also a priority with schools on holiday; do not under any circumstances leave children unattended around water. If a child is missing, search water areas first to save valuable seconds.
Never allow a young child in the pool without an adult, regardless of how confident you may feel.
Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
This is especially advisable for babysitters, minders, parents and older siblings. Keep a list of emergency numbers programmed on your cellphone and make sure that everyone in the household knows how to access help in such a situation. Marcus Monyakeni Communications officer, Water and Sanitation
Obey safety rules and regulations around dams, rivers and oceans