The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) has urged the community to care for children around swimming pool and lakes.
“Summertime is a fun time, with great weather for children to play in and around water. However, swimming can be potentially dangerous. Parents need to recognise that swimming lessons do not protect children from drowning. Only constant supervision can do this,” said the DEMS spokesperson, Mr William Ntladi.
Ntladi said it is important for residents to know the types of precautions to take to keep their children safe in the water.
Basic Safety Rules in and around the pool and at home:
- Install a safety barrier around your home swimming pool.
- Empty baths, basins, sinks and troughs immediately after use.
- Empty children’s paddling pools when they are not in use.
- Close top-loading washing machines.
- Install a mash cover over fish ponds
Public swimming pools are usually supervised by lifeguards, however, accidents can still occur.
The following tips can save lives at public swimming pools:
- Read and obey notices.
- Follow the instructions of pool lifeguards.
- Ensure the water depth is appropriate for swimming or diving.
- If you are a weak swimmer, stay away from deep water.
- Check that the water is clear of other people before jumping or diving.
- Play safely and do not hinder the enjoyment of other swimmers.
- Don`t force anyone to swim to the deep end of the pool if they cannot swim.
- Water safety in and around rivers, dams and lakes:
A river has a continuous and often fast current that, when combined with submerged logs, overhanging branches and other obstacles, can create extremely dangerous situations. Take extreme care when entering rivers because of the changeable nature.
- Lakes and dams may present a deceptively still, flat appearance that can promote a false sense of security; however, conditions may change.
- Be careful not to be standing on an overhanging bank, it can collapse.
- Before entering the water, check for the presence and strength of a current.
- If caught in a strong river current, travel feet first in order to protect the head and body from serious injuries.
- If drawn over a weir, immediately dive to the bottom, tuck into a ball and hold your breath until thrown to the surface.
- Before attempting to dive, check the depth and explore the bottom to locate any hazards.
- Enter cold water slowly and remain in cold water for short periods only.
Be aware of streams, creeks, ponds and ditches, which may be located on or near your property. Make certain that a responsible adult knows the whereabouts of small children at all times if there is any water nearby. If a child is missing, search the water area first to save valuable seconds.
Water safety in and around the sea:
- Don`t swim too far into the sea.
- Always swim or surf at places patrolled by lifeguards.
- Swim between the red and the yellow flags. They mark the safer bathing area. Read and obey the signs.
- Sand in eyes – if you get sand in your eyes, do not rub. Rinse the eyes with clean water.
- If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifeguard.
- Never run or dive into the water. Water conditions may change.
- Teach children and adolescents to avoid situations which could create the potential for danger, like swimming in restricted or isolated areas.
- If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Signal for help, float and wait for assistance.
Learn how to spot a rip tide and keep clear of it. A rip tide can be recognized by sand coloured or rippled water running out to sea when the water on either side is generally cleaner. The waves may also be larger and breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip tide.
The blue bottle – jelly-like marine animals noted for their ability to float and sting. As with all bites and stings, the victim should receive first aid immediately. When you are stung, apply ice over the affected area as soon as possible.
