Ekurhuleni stresses water safety to save young lives

With the warm weather here, being water-savvy to prevent avoidable drownings is crucial. According to the DEMS, the most common causes of child drownings in homes, schools and daycare facilities are preventable with the correct precautions.

Understanding drowning: Wet vs dry

“Drowning is categorised as two types: Wet drowning and dry drowning,” said DEMS spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

Wet drowning is when a victim inhales water, obstructing their lungs or airways, causing them to stop oxygenating the blood. It is the most common form of drowning, and victims typically submerge underwater.

Dry drowning involves a muscle spasm or airway closure that prevents water from entering the lungs. According to Dlamini, most cases the DEMS attends to are wet drownings.

“Understanding that drownings are not always caused by ignorance is vital. They are typically unplanned, uncontrolled events, triggered by unsafe acts or conditions,” he added.

“Education is key in reducing drowning by equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to make safer decisions.”

Water safety tips to prevent drowning:
To minimise the risk of drowning, the DEMS offers these safety tips:

• Adult supervision: Always supervise children around water, whether a swimming pool, fishpond or any body of water;
• Install safety barriers: Erect fencing around swimming pools and open water ponds;
• Cover pools: Use nets or tarpaulins to cover pools when not in use;
• Proper water depth: Ensure the swimming pool is suitable for the age and size of children;
• Report hazards: Alert authorities about open trenches or construction hazards near residential areas;
• Teach water safety: Encourage children not to go near water without an adult. Teach them how to swim and understand the dangers of water;
• Toys: Keep toys away from the pool when not in use to avoid attracting children;
• Constant supervision: Never leave young children unattended near water.

Working together for water safety
The municipality, with the Sports and Recreation Department and others, is responsible for authorising swimming pool facilities.

However, the DEMS collaborates with various community groups to promote water safety, particularly during the summer’s rainy season. Officers focus on educating communities about water hazards and safety measures to prevent drownings.

What to do if you find a child in water and unresponsive
Immediate action is required:

• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): The DEMS offers CPR training to communities and organisations at the fire station or, if necessary, at local premises;

• Call emergency services: Immediately call the emergency services for professional medical assistance.

The DEMS runs several community education programmes to raise awareness about drowning prevention:
• Water safety: The DEMS teaches children and adults vital swimming and floating skills, such as the Float like a Duck technique;

• Summer awareness campaign: This seasonal initiative teaches the public about water-related emergencies, including drowning;

• Flood awareness: The DEMS provides guidance on safety measures for residents living near flood-prone areas and wetlands;

• Cultural and religious practices: The DEMS raises awareness about safe practices around rivers during baptisms or ritual ceremonies.

While the DEMS does not have its own swimming pool, it partners with local municipal pools, where trained lifeguards offer swimming lessons. The DEMS also collaborates with Rand Water, a parastatal, for its Water Wise programme during summer awareness campaigns.

In case of an emergency, call the DEMS emergency services, 011 458 0911 (normal call rates apply), 10177 (toll-free from a landline) and 112 (free from any cellphone).