Two children drown in dam
POLICE divers found and removed the bodies of two children, aged nine and 10, who drowned in a dam in the Thandanani area of Mtubatuba last week.
Police spokesperson Captain Sbusiso Mkhize said the bodies were removed from the dam between 3.30 and 4pm, and that the police have opened an inquest docket.
Upon receiving reports of the drowning, uMkhanyakude District Mayor Siphile
Mdaka, Mtubatuba Mayor Mxolisi Mthethwa, together with two local Izinduna and popular philanthropist Ayanda Msweli, rushed to the scene.
The two children, Melusi Mpanza (9) and Amahle Mngomezulu (10), both boys, are learners at Welani Primary School.
It is believed they had been swimming in the dam.
Mthethwa said he was saddened by the drowning, especially because the entire Mtubatuba area was still under a dark pall following last weekend's severe storm which claimed lives and left a trail of destruction.
"What happened at the baKhwanazi nation is painful, one cannot even find the words to express these feelings. Just yesterday, we were in tears because of the tragedy caused by the heavy rains, and now young children who were just playing, not knowing that this would happen," said Mthethwa.
The local mayor expressed condolences to the families of the children and prayed that
God remains at their sides during this difficult time. Mdaka urged communities to caution their young ones and discourage them from swimming in dams and rivers, especially because these have swelled following the heavy rains.
"We are grieving with the families of the two children and we will be in touch with them during this difficult time to provide some help,"
said Mdaka.
The NSRI on Friday issued a warning to all bathers along the coastline, to be vigilant and adopt a safety mindset at all times.
This as the full moon spring tide is presently at its peak and will be so until mid-week.
NSRI safety tips:
• Do not drink alcohol and swim
• Bathers at beaches must swim where and when lifeguards are on duty between the lifeguard 'safe swimming zone' flags - obey the lifeguards for everyone’s safety
• Beach bathers, shoreline anglers and coastal hikers must be aware of two high tides and two low tides around the coast every day
• Be aware of rip currents that can pull swimmers out to sea
• Full moon and new moon spring tide brings higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides that can cause stronger than normal rip currents
• Bathers at rivers, lakes and dams, should swim with a floating aid for safety and visibility. But do not let it blow you away from the shore in strong winds
• Don’t venture too far from the shore
• If you get tired in the water, float on your back and don’t panic - fill your lungs with air to aid flotation and stay calm
• Parents and caregivers, ensure responsible, sober adults supervise children while they are swimming in water or when they are around water
• Wear bright clothing at the beach, especially children
• Your swimming pool at home should be cloaked in safety
• Boaters, paddlers and sailors – wear your life-jacket, and download and always use NSRI’s free SafeTrx smartphone app when out on the water. Know how to use your safety equipment - a referee whistle, red distress flares and cellphone fully charged in a watertight plastic sleeve
• Always keep a responsible family member or friend updated with where you are going, your expected return time, and check in on your safe return.
• In an emergency, call: 112 or the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre on
087 0949774.