Issue link: https://www.hub.camaf.co.za/i/1487724
Preventing drowning It only takes a moment for a child or a weak swimmer to drown – less than the time it takes to reply to a text. Death or injury caused by drowning happens every day in the sea, pools, hot tubs, rivers, streams, bathtubs, buckets, and the toilet. Never swim alone, and ensure children only swim when supervised by a sober adult who can swim. If a child is missing, check the water immediately. Seconds count to prevent death or injury. Always have a first aid kit handy for unforeseen injuries and illnesses. Know what to do in a water emergency, including how to help someone in trouble. Never swim if you have consumed alcohol or taken drugs. Do not dive into the shallow end of a swimming pool or any water source where you cannot see what is below the surface. Make sure your swimming pool is covered with a net or enclosed with an SABS approved fence to prevent children from falling in. Be aware that small children can drown in very small amounts of water like buckets, toilets, bathtubs, fish ponds, water features and jacuzzis and take the necessary precautions. When at the beach, swim near a lifeguard. Always swim between the red and yellow flags and obey warning signs and instructions from the lifeguards. Avoid the ocean if it is choppy and the water is murky. Be mindful of the warning signs that may indicate dangerous swimming conditions like strong currents, sharks or contaminated water. If you are pulled out to sea, stay calm. Save your energy and allow the current to carry you. Swim parallel to the shore, float or tread water until you are out of the rip current. Stay hydrated, do not wait for thirst to set in. Drink as much water as needed as the heat and sun will dehydrate your body quickly. Do not make use of floatation devices such as an inflatable bed or noodle unless you can swim properly. Do not rely on them to keep you afloat at sea. Stay sober at the beach, as alcohol will impair your judgement, and dehydrate you. Do not dive into water where you cannot see the bottom. You could easily injure yourself doing so in the sea as well. Do not be ashamed to call for help if you are in trouble. Even the best swimmers can run into difficulties. Signal a lifeguard as soon as possible. In the interim, stay calm. 01 01 06 02 02 07 03 03 08 04 04 05 05 06 07 08 09 10 Swimming in the sea Remember that swimming in the sea is not the same as swimming in a pool! Water safety tips Need emergency medical assistance? Call Netcare 911 on 082 911 or download the Netcare app Download on the Get it on Explore it on