Tips to prevent drowning

The festive season has started and at this time of the season, temperatures rise in the southern hemisphere.
The high temperatures and outdoor activities associated with the festive season necessitate a need for many to use water for body cooling.
This is in addition to those who use water for spiritual rituals.
“Those who do not have swimming skills need to be aware of the danger of drowning when getting into the water,” said DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi.

Also read: Make sure your pool is child-proof

He added that children need constant supervision around water.
“Parents must take extreme precautions to ensure their children’s safety.”
Unfortunately, when many people participate in swimming and other water-related activities the number of drowning incidents increases.
Drowning is the process of respiratory impairment from submersion in liquid and outcomes are either death, morbidity or no morbidity. Drowning can be categorised into different types:
• Near drowning
• Dry drowning
• Freshwater drowning
• Saltwater drowning
• Secondary drowning
Common causes of drowning include:
• Lack of supervision.
Wherever there is swimming in progress, there should always be a lifeguard or an adult with swimming skills or water rescue skills.
• Lack of swimming ability
Many children and adults attempt to get in the water without proper swimming training. Formal water safety and swimming lessons under the correct supervision of a skilled lifeguard can dramatically decrease the risk of drowning.
• Failure to use life jackets
Life jackets should be worn at all times or be readily accessible and in good shape while in water.
Those performing cultural and religious rituals are also advised to comply to prevent accidental drowning.
• Alcohol usage
Avoid drinking alcohol or any intoxicating substances before or during swimming, boating or any water activities.
The ability to swim may be severely limited under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances. One may not be able to take precise judgement on how long and how far one can swim.
• Never cross flooded bridges and river streams and never use any object or pipes to cross water streams.
• Trenches left open can be death traps.
Due to the heavy rain experienced, trenches may be filled with rainwater Because the depth of those trenches is unknown, unsuspecting children can drown while trying to cool themselves.
In case of emergency contact:
• Life threatening Ekurhuleni emergency line – (011) 458- 0911
• National toll-free number – 10177
• Cell phone – 112