Be safe in the water

Even those who can swim are susceptible to drowning, nobody is immune. Water safety is especially important as summer approaches but being vigilant around water year-round is always good practice. 

By Mark Bertram

Drowning is a tragedy that claims over 1 500 lives a year in South Africa alone, and a third of those are children. Anyone can drown, and children under 15 years’ old are particularly susceptible. Also, males are much more likely to drown than females. Most drownings, apart from young children, are in the under-30 age group too. Alcohol is reportedly implicated in many drownings and near drownings. In a near drowning, brain damage is a possible result, because a mere four minutes without oxygen can damage brain function. Vigilance around water – anything from a bucket to a pool – is especially important during summer, when swimming is top of the list of things to do for many South Africans.

POOL SAFETY

Your pool needs to be completely fenced with a childproof lock on the gate. Check that there are no plants or other ways for a child to climb over the pool fence. While a gate and pool alarm could warn you if anyone enters the area, it should never be relied upon. Always keep the gate to the pool securely closed and if you have a gardener, explain the importance of the pool area remaining off limits to children. When not in use, the pool should always be covered – preferably with a solid cover – otherwise with a net that has plenty of clearance from the water’s surface.

Children should never be allowed in the pool alone or unsupervised, and also never make an older child responsible for younger children who are swimming. Teach your children to always ask permission to swim – and never to jump or dive into unknown waters – and don’t allow them to play rough in the pool, as they can injure themselves and drown. As soon as children are old enough, teach them to float on their backs wearing everyday clothing, and then let them have swimming lessons when a little older. If they are being cared for at home, their carer also needs to know how to swim and do CPR because swimming aids cannot be relied upon at  all.

When supervising children swimming, don’t let anything distract you – not even for a minute. Don’t read or browse your phone but keep it close in case of emergency. If a child does go missing, check the water first, as seconds can make all the difference between life and death in a potential drowning.

WATER WISE AT HOME

Very important is to always stay within arm’s reach of a young child if there is water nearby. Then also ensure all buckets, containers and tubs are empty and stored upside down. Remember to keep the doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed and locked if possible and secure the toilet lid so a toddler can’t climb inside. Be sure the fishpond and Jacuzzi are child safe and never leave children alone in the bath for even a minute, as drowning can be completely silent.

SAFE SWIMMING AT THE BEACH

Children should only ever swim where lifesavers are on duty, and between the designated safe-swimming flags – and even if they can swim, they must be watched constantly. Also teach your children never to turn their backs on the sea and don’t swim on a deserted beach, at night, in a storm or if you feel ill. 

Only swim where waves are straight and gentle and watch for changes in weather and rip currents. Enter the sea feet first always and never dive into muddy or shallow water. Don’t swim if you have consumed alcohol or a big meal, as it could cause cramping. However, cold water can also cause muscle cramps. Should this happen, float on your back and try to stretch out the muscles until you can swim again.  

If you get caught in a rip current, let it carry you out until the current weakens and then swim across it – parallel to the shore – into calmer water. Then float on your back and wave for help with one arm. Always stay calm and remember that you will not be pulled down as long as you can float on your back or tread water. 

WATERSPORT ENTHUSIASTS…

  • Scuba divers and snorkelers – never go alone, wear a wetsuit, take a float or flag to mark your position.
  • Surfers, wind surfers and paddle skiers – watch the weather for changes, never go out at night and stay on your board if you land in trouble. 
  • Water skiers – have a pilot and an observer on the boat, and a raised red flag when the skier is in the water. Keep motors in neutral when picking up skiers.
  • Sailors – be able to swim and equip boats beyond the requirements of seaworthiness. Tell reliable people on shore of your plans and return time. If trouble strikes, stay with the boat.
  • Fishermen – watch out for strong backwashes, use non-slip footwear on rocks and on boats. Cast sitting down on a boat and watch for freak waves.
  • Spear fishermen – never carry a loaded gun out of the water, or tie fish to your belt in the water.

IF ON A BOAT ALWAYS:

  • Put on your lifejacket before heading out to sea. It’s extremely difficult to put this on when in the water.
  • Ensure your cell phone is fully charged and in a waterproof pouch. Attach a whistle and a small mirror to your lifejacket to attract attention if you need to.
  • Put all local emergency numbers in your phone and inform loved ones where you are going and when you expect to return.
  • Check that your safety equipment is in order before leaving shore.
  • Keep clothing on if you land in cold water. Only remove heavy shoes if they are weighing you down.
  • Roll onto your back and float or hold on to something buoyant, if you don’t have a lifejacket on. 
  • Keep calm, because it can save your life. 

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