Prevent your children from drowning this summer
In the past years, the swimming season has often been accompanied by a high number of deaths resulting from drowning.
While many cases stem from children being left alone at the swimming pool, or accessing the pool while the adults are not at home; many incidents also occur during social gatherings.
The Emergency Management Services (EMS) of Ekurhuleni has issued some tips to ensure safety around water.
EMS spokesperson, William Ntladi says that water safety starts with correct supervision.
He advises that children not be left alone in the swimming pool even if it may be a kiddie`s pool.
“Parents should always exercise the touch and reach supervision strategy which means that they are always within an arm`s length of the child.
“As well, I would advise that parents not leave the smaller children under the supervision of other older children as this is a fatal exercise and practice,” warns Ntladi.
Ntladi gives the following supervision tips to parents:
* Invite other parents and adults to help supervise a bigger number of children in the pool as one adult can only manage a few.
* If there will be children swimming at a bigger gathering, be sure to designate pool guards who do not drink or socialise and be alert at all times.
* Basic Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is essential to parents and life guards with children who have access to pools.
* Floaters or inflatable devices are not an alternative to supervision, as they will not prevent children from drowning.
* Create basic rules for swimming pool like “no running,” “no diving” and “no swimming alone”.
“Parents need to recognise that swimming lessons do not protect kids from drowning, only constant supervision can,” says Ntladi.
He advises parents to always make sure that the swimming instructors, giving swimming lessons to their children, are certified and have proper experience.
“Parents need to understand that summertime is a fun time with great weather for children to play in and around water however, they must be mindful that swimming can be potentially very dangerous,” he adds.
“It is important to know what types of precautions to take and what needs to be aware of in terms of keeping their children safe in the water.”
