Water safety and vigilance have again been thrust into the spotlight after members of the Johannesburg Water Policing and Diving Services found six bodies over a three-day period.

The six bodies, found in Norwood, Sandringham, Cosmo City, Doornkop and Cyrildene, were recovered between February 3 and 5.

According to Rapid Response Services media liaison officer, SPO Raymond Sambo, the first body was found in Norwood at the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club at 11:30.

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Sambo said divers from the Johannesburg Water Policing and Diving Services were deployed, and the body of an unknown female was retrieved from the river and handed over to Norwood SAPS members at the scene. An inquest docket was opened for further investigation.

On the same day, at approximately 13:40, members from the Johannesburg Water Policing and Diving Services responded to a second scene under the N3 Linksfield off-ramp. Sambo said the body of a 47-year-old man was found stuck in debris in the river.

The body was hoisted out of the embankment and handed over to Sandringham SAPS members at the scene. An inquest docket was opened for further investigation.

Later on February 3, at a third scene at the corner of Modderfontein and Pretoria roads in the Sandringham area, another body was found at approximately 15:00.

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Sambo said the body of a 40-year-old man was recovered from the river, floating in a trapped enclosed area near the bridge.

The body was hoisted out and handed to Sandringham SAPS members at the scene, and an inquest docket was opened for further investigation.

On February 4, at 13:00, members of the Johannesburg Water Policing and Diving Services were deployed to a scene in Cosmo City. Sambo said that because the water was severely contaminated, alternative measures were used to retrieve the body of a 19-year-old man.

Once the body was retrieved, it was handed over to Cosmo City SAPS members at the scene, and an inquest docket was opened for further investigation.

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On February 5 at 10:30, divers from the Johannesburg Water Policing and Diving Services were deployed to a scene in Doornkop Extension Four, where the body of a 55-year-old woman was recovered from a river. Sambo said the deceased was retrieved and handed over to Doornkop SAPS members at the scene. An inquest docket was opened for further investigation.

At a second scene on the same day at approximately 14:40, Johannesburg Water Policing and Diving Services members were deployed to Freidland Avenue in Cyrildene. Sambo said members recovered a seven-year-old child who had drowned in an unused pool.

The body was handed over to Cleveland SAPS members at the scene, and an inquest docket was opened for further investigation.

Sambo said precautionary measures are being emphasised to avert needless loss of life. Individuals venturing into dams, rivers or other bodies of water for any activity are advised to do so only while wearing a life jacket.

Parents of young children near open water are urged to educate them about the associated dangers and ensure constant supervision.

Anyone who witnessed any of the incidents or has more information is encouraged to contact the relevant police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.