Affinity Health has reminded parents and caregivers about the importance of swimming pool safety and first aid awareness this summer.

While swimming pools offer fun and relief from the heat, they also present serious risks, particularly for young children.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), drowning is among the leading causes of accidental death globally, claiming over 300 000 lives each year. Children under the age of five are most at risk.

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In South Africa, the danger is heightened due to the widespread presence of backyard and communal pools. Even strong swimmers can quickly get into trouble due to fatigue, slipping, or sudden medical issues.

“The reality is that accidents happen in seconds and often without warning,” said Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“That’s why awareness and basic first aid knowledge are so important for parents and caregivers, they can literally save a child’s life.”

Why first aid matters

Immediate action in pool emergencies can make the difference between life and death.

Knowing how to respond before professional help arrives is vital. Affinity Health encourages parents to familiarise themselves with basic first aid techniques such as CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), rescue breathing, and choking response.

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Essential first aid tips for parents

• Stay calm and assess the situation before attempting a rescue.

• Call emergency services immediately if the child is unresponsive or struggling to breathe. Save emergency numbers on your phone and display them near the pool.

• If it’s safe, remove the child from the water using a pool pole, rope, or floatation aid. Avoid entering the pool if it endangers you.

• Check for breathing and pulse. Begin CPR immediately if there are no signs of life.

• Perform 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths for children, continuing until help arrives.

• For choking, use the Heimlich maneuvre for children over one year, or back blows and chest thrusts for infants.

• Wrap the child in a dry towel or blanket to prevent hypothermia after rescue.
• Watch for signs of secondary drowning, which can occur hours later due to water in the lungs.
• Keep a well-stocked first aid kit nearby, including bandages, antiseptics, gloves, scissors, and a CPR mask.
• Use the iER app, which connects users to 24/7 emergency response services across South Africa, to share your exact location for faster help.
Prevention is the best protection
Affinity Health stresses that prevention is key to keeping children safe around water. Parents can greatly reduce risks by:
• Installing secure fencing and lockable gates around pools.
• Never leaving children unattended, even for a moment.
• Teaching basic swimming and water safety from an early age.
• Ensuring children wear approved life jackets when needed.
• Removing toys and floats from the pool after use to avoid tempting children into unsupervised swimming.

Building safer communities

Affinity Health encourages parents, caregivers, and even teenagers to attend accredited first aid and CPR courses, available through community centres, schools, and health organisations.

“Empowering families with safety knowledge saves lives,” Hewlett added.

“Together with iER’s nationwide emergency network, Affinity Health ensures families have access to trusted healthcare and emergency support when it matters most.”