WITH the long Easter weekend not too far away, most people will either be spending time at the beach or relaxing at home with loved ones.

Regardless of where they are, Amanzimtoti SAPS communications officer Captain Charlene van der Spuy, said parents need to exercise caution with children around bodies of water. She said a lot of drownings involving young children happen during the holiday season.

“Children should be taught to swim from a young age, which will help them become water wise. Swimming pools need to be covered with SABS approved coverings or be restricted for the little ones altogether if not under adult supervision.

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“Parents and adults should be alert when sitting around the pool, so if a child accidently falls in, they can quickly respond. Children should not be allowed to run around swimming pools as that creates a possibility of them falling on the slippery surface,” said Van der Spuy.

She also said children need to be taught not to dive into the shallow end of pools, rivers and into murky water as there is a possibility of sustaining a head injury. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been proven to have saved lives in times of emergency.

“It is not the paramedic or the doctor that is going to save the life, when there is an accident at the pool, it is going to be the person who starts SCPR immediately that is going to buy time for the paramedic or doctor to save a life. To learn CPR, go for Resuscitation Council Approved CPR training,” she said.

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