Water safety lessons offered to schools
A team of 20 instructors around the country are teaching children and adults about water safety.
Slindile Mthethwa, a National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) water safety instructor is currently working with her team to spread life-saving drowning prevention information throughout the South Coast.
“Drowning is an often overlooked, but very concerning global public health issue,” said Slindile.
In order to educate the public more on drowning prevention and in accordance to World Drowning Prevention Day celebrated on July 25 (last Sunday) the NSRI team will be conducting several radio interviews and talks throughout the South Coast area for the rest of the week.
A team of 20 instructors around the country are teaching children and adults about water safety.
Lessons are given at schools with no charge and virtual lessons are also available because of lockdown regulations.
“Surprisingly, drownings are often fast and silent and not like you see in the movies where there may be yelling and waving,” explained Slindile.
“Just a silent gasping for air and 20 to 60 seconds later, submersion.”
Slindile went on to add that in South Africa, many children under the age of 14 become drowning victims.
“Most of those who drown do so in dams, rivers and streams, and sadly most drownings of children under five years of age are at or near their home.”
In order to keep young children safe around the home, the NSRI team offers the following advice:
1. Vigilance – Have somebody dedicated to physically watch those who are swimming or near water. This person should not be distracted by their phone or conversations with others. Taking your eyes off children, even for a few seconds could prove fatal.
2. Special attention should be paid to washing basins, baths, dams, rivers and swimming pool sand any water containers that children could fall into.
Should you witness a person in difficulty in water, it is advised that you throw them a Pink Rescue Buoy, something else that floats or something that they can hold onto while you pull them out, without placing yourself in danger of drowning.
Lastly, it is in everyone’s best interest to know the emergency number -112.
If you would like a water safety talk at your school or crèche, contact Slindile Mthethwa via email on fortunate@searescue.org.za or call 060 304 5232.
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