How to reduce the risks and have a great day at the beach

SUMMER is always associated with people visiting the ocean to cool themselves; however, this practice may have dire consequences if one is not equipped with water safety education.

According to the director of drowning prevention at Lifesaving South Africa (LSA), Mzi Mayedwa, about 1 500 people, mostly young, drown every year. He said according to the World Health Organization (WHO), drowning is regarded as the third leading cause of unintentional injury worldwide and accounts for 7% of all injury-related deaths.

“Sadly, the low- and middle-income countries account for 90% of unintentional drowning deaths. Although the burden of drowning is high in South Africa, the picture is not all gloom because LSA, an affiliate and founding member of International Life Saving Society, with its drowning prevention centres which include 55 surf clubs and 26 inland clubs and 13 associated members, has over 8 000 affiliated members who volunteer their free time to prevent drowning throughout SA.”

Mayedwa said to date his organisation had recorded more than 131 000 lives saved through rescues performed, thanks to its volunteers, who provide an essential community service at the highest international standards.

Mayedwa and LSA provided the following safety tips for swimmers:

• Swim where there are qualified lifeguards on duty.

• Swim between the red and yellow flags, the daily safe designated area.

• Before entering the sea, watch the waves and identify any rip currents. They can wash bathers onto the rocks or pull them out to sea.

• Never swim while intoxicated, you will tire more easily.

• Check with the lifeguards on duty what the surf conditions are, listen to their directions or instructions.

• Avoid swimming immediately after a big meal, it could cause cramps.

• Do not swim in river mouths or in dirty water at dawn or dusk or after rains, as shark activity increases.

• Never leave a young child unattended near water and never make a child responsible for another child – not even for five minutes. Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

Supplied LIFESAVING South Africa has warned swimmers to be careful when visiting beaches or dams and rivers this festive season. |