Your swimsuit colour can be lifesaving this Easter
Despite winter sinking its teeth into parts of South Africa this week, most kids will shrug off the cooler weather and spend happy hours in the water this long weekend. Here’s how to help ensure their safety.
With only 15% of South Africans able to swim, according to Jill Fortuin, the executive director of drowning prevention at the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), bathers must take every precaution to stay safe this Easter.
Whether you plan to take a dip in the ocean or swim in a resort or public pool, what you wear matters because the visibility of your swimsuit could make all the difference in a difficult situation.
NSRI media spokesperson Craig Lambinon previously told Caxton Local Media that bright, fluorescent colours, such as orange, pink, green and yellow, are ideal.
The best option for visibility, according to him, is bright pink – the primary colour for the NSRI’s award-winning Pink Rescue Buoy initiative.
Lambinon said that the institute tested the visibility of a variety of colours, including red and yellow, traditionally used for lifesaving equipment. The research found that neon pink was easiest to spot in a variety of water conditions. This enhanced visibility allows lifeguards to monitor swimmers effectively and respond swiftly in emergencies.
“We also advise paddlers and surfers to place bright-coloured reflective 3M tape on their boards,” he added.
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Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
