The increasing risk of drowning incidents involving young people is a serious concern, says the police, urging parents to educate their children about the dangers of swimming in rivers and dams.

Recently, police divers retrieved the bodies of two people following drowning incidents in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District, including Qwaqwa and Clocolan. Police are continuing the search for a 17-year-old boy who reportedly drowned in Lindley the past week.

According to Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring of the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Communication and Liaison Service, these incidents serve as a painful reminder of the dangers associated with swimming in rivers and dams, particularly for children and young people who cannot swim or are unfamiliar with the depth and strength of the water currents.

Police are concerned that some young people underestimate these dangers, Mophiring said.

As the country enters the Safer Festive Season operations period, police urge parents and guardians to play an active role in protecting children by supervising their activities, knowing their whereabouts and warning them against swimming in rivers, dams and other unsafe places.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to educate children about water safety and ensure that they understand that even seemingly calm waters can be dangerous. Children should never swim in unfamiliar waters, and those who cannot swim should never enter rivers or dams.

Police further appeal to community members to discourage dangerous swimming practices and to report emergencies immediately so that the relevant rescue services can respond.
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