Members of the public are urged to exercise extra caution when swimming in the sea, dams, rivers, or swimming pools.

As the festive season approaches, drowning is an ever-present risk when people visit rivers, beaches, dams and swimming pools.

According to officials, many of these incidents of drowning are linked to the misuse of alcohol and recklessness.

Therefore, SAPS are offering the following water safety tips, 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.

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