The South African festive season is one that is synonymous with summer, heat, and all things fun.
While many people will be going to holiday guest houses, or try some outdoor activities there will also be large amounts of people going to the beach, pools or experience some sort of activity which involves getting wet such as boat riding, jet ski-ing or rowing.
Though these are often fun activities that the entire family can partake in, there is always a potential risk of drowning taking place. This is why it is of utmost importance that both parents and children avoid being in situations that pose the risk of losing one’s life.
According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention – leading science based, data driven organisation – the common reasons for people drowning is due to having alcohol in their system, not being able to swim, not wearing a life jacket, and lack of proper fencing around the pool area.
It is further highlighted that nearly two thirds of infants under one years old drown in their bathtubs, while 80% of most adult drownings are males.
Below are a few recommendations on how you can avoid the risk of drowning, as well as some tips if you do find yourself in this situation:
These are precautions highlighted by health and wellness publication – Healthline.
- Block child access to swimming areas.
- Never leave toys in pools (this can entice a young child to retrieve the toy).
- Swim with young children at an arm’s length.
- Never leave a child alone in a bathtub.
- Keep children away from wells, creeks, canals, ponds, and streams.
- Empty inflatable or plastic kiddie pools and turn them over after each use (to prevent rain water from collecting).
- Have rescue materials and a phone nearby when swimming.
Also see: Refreshing mocktails to try out this summer
