DEAR Editor;

Nearly 80% of children with little to no swimming ability will visit a pool, beach, river or any other water source this holiday, especially with the increase of holidaymakers over the festive season.

No person is ever water safe. Accidents do happen. No one is exempt. If you are unconscious you cannot swim. It doesn’t matter your age, gender, race, religion, political belief or background. Water treats everyone the same.

Formal swimming lessons can reduce the likelihood of accidental drowning by as much as 88%.

Swimming programmes are critical in communities surrounded by water. Learning to swim is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

With all the rock pools, streams, estuaries and pools on the South Coast, children are bound to go have a look because of their 100% inquisitive nature. We can all do something about it now even if you or your child have never attended a swimming lesson! Remember and keep to some cool water rules.

Water rules to remember:
1. Always have a responsible and sober adult on watch duty
2. Never swim alone
3. Only swim at safe areas
4. Know your limits
5. Stay out if in doubt
6. Use sunscreen
7. Empty out portable pools, buckets etc., after use
8. If you go to the beach, swim where there are lifeguards on duty and only swim between the flags
9. No boating without a life jacket

If you are a water watcher, pay constant attention to children in the water even when lifeguards are on duty. Get off your phone, avoid other activities, and switch with other adults for breaks. Adult supervision is the best prevention against child drownings.

Report foul play of children and adults in water to your nearest lifeguard.

Jack up on your first aid skills especially CPR. A first responder increases the survival or recovery of a victim dramatically.

Know your surroundings. Don’t just look for the best place to sit but identify where the security guards, lifeguards, Saps etc., are.

Have emergency phone numbers at hand. The best will probably be the number of the local security group that is very active in the local community.

EDWARD HOLDEN-SMITH

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