Water safety tips to remember when swimming

Citizens are warned to be extra-cautious while swimming this summer. This caveat comes after a number of people have drowned recently in Durban and South Coast areas.

Educational and awareness campaigns were held in the province to promote safety at recreational swimming facilities or at sea.

As the festive season approaches, drowning is an ever-present risk when people visit rivers, beaches, dams and swimming pools. Many incidents of drowning are linked to the misuse of alcohol and recklessness.

The SAPS has devised water safety tips, for safe swimming in the sea, which include:

· Before entering the sea, swimmers must take time to watch the waves and must avoid places where there is a strong backwash, obvious rip currents or a danger of being washed onto the rocks.

· Check the weather and the tides before you leave home – if the sea is too rough, you could be swept away.

· Only enter where the waves are straight and gentle.

· If you experience a strong current, get out of the sea, or at least do not go in deep.

· Never swim while you are intoxicated. Alcohol and drugs impair judgement and unnecessary risks are taken. An intoxicated swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident or drowning.

· Ask the lifeguards on duty what the surf conditions are before entering the sea.

· Only swim in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards and if they give you directions or instructions from the beach, obey them.

· Look out for warning signs and flags – a red flag means it is dangerous to swim.

· A red-and-yellow flag means lifeguards are on duty and you should only swim in the area between the flags.

· Avoid swimming immediately after a big meal, as there is a danger of having cramps.

· Do not dive into shallow water and avoid diving headfirst.

· Do not swim in river mouths, in dirty water, very early in the mornings, early evenings or after it had rained as shark activity increases in these conditions.

· Don’t swim when bluebottles are present because they are poisonous.

· Never leave a young child unattended near water and never make a child responsible for another child – not even for five minutes. Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

· If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing drowning or permanent disability.

· Swimming aids, such as water wings or noodles, are fun toys for kids, but they should never be used instead of approved flotation devices.

Below are 5 additional swimming safety tips adapted from www.livestrong.com:

Learn How to Swim
Children can be taught how to swim from the age of four. Teens and adults who can’t swim should learn to do so, and restrict wading or bathing to shallow water only.

Never Swim Alone
As tempting as it may be to catch some time alone in the backyard pool, deserted lake or ocean, do not do it. Accidents happen even to young, strong, healthy individuals who are good swimmers. Always swim with a buddy in a residential pool and with a lifeguard present in any other body of water.

Do Not Swim During Thunderstorms
Never swim during a thunderstorm. Follow lifeguard instructions for exiting the sea. If you swim and lightning strikes, you risk serious injury or death.

Refrain From Horseplay in the Water
As fun as it is to swim with friends or family, refrain from horseplay such as dunking, hanging on to someone while in the water. Horseplay can lead to injury, and increases the risk of drowning.

First Aid and CPR
It is a good idea for adults, especially those who are parents or who care for children, to learn basic first aid and CPR. Rescue measures can mean the difference between life and death, especially for families with residential pools.