It is estimated that 600 children die by drowning in SA each year. Since the institute established its water safety education program in 2006 it has reached 2.6 million in the country. The program gives free water safety lessons to the children especially those coming from the previously disadvantaged communities that are at high risk of drowning.

More drowning’s occur inland than in the sea, most children under the age of 5 drown around the house in buckets, basins, baths or swimming pool as well as pit latrine to those who stays in the rural. At Sea Rescue we aim to reduce the large number of people who die from drowning every year, 600 of these being children. Those who experience a non-fatal drowning could then have to live with complications of their drowning all their lives.

 To keep children safe parents must make sure that after doing house chores like washing or cleaning they should empty all tub, basin, bathtub, install a pool safety net or cover etc. Children need constant supervision when they’re in, on or around the water, don’t allow them play alone near water or assume that someone is watching your child or children. To reduce the chance of drowning of yourself or your loved ones if you live near a river or dam:

• Always ask am I safe?
• You should not attempt to cross a river in flood.
• Be aware that the water depth in dams and rivers can quickly change.
• Are there slippery stones or rocks? These can injure or cause you to fall into the water.
• Consider how fast the water is flowing.
• Never swim alone even if you are a good swimmer, always swim with a buddy, never jump or dive in if you can’t see what is in the water.
• It is extremely dangerous to get in water to rescue someone so rather throw something that floats to the person in difficulty like a rope or hold out a long stick/pipe to that person and CALL for help [112 emergency number] from a cell phone.
• Always face the water as slips happen so easily.
• Water collected should be stored safely and out of reach of young children.
•  Can someone in your area sponsor the erection of a PINK RESCUE BUOY near the dam or river? These are used to provide peer rescue, without the one helping endangering themselves.
• Remember the emergency number.
• Learn how to do Hands On CPR.

SAFETY CONCERNS SHOULD INCLUDE WATER SAFETY!

During this time of lockdown, safety has been uppermost in every-one’s minds. But do you know what other threat continues lurking in the background? Drowning!

Sea Rescue National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) reports that on average about 2000 people in South Africa are victims of fatal drownings each year. Of these about 600 are children. In addition to this are many, many others who live with the trauma and sometimes disability caused by a non-fatal drowning.

In spite of beaches and swimming pools being closed, the number of drownings continues to rise. 

Some advice around rivers and dams

Collecting water and doing washing should not have to end in death like it has done for some others this year already! Be vigilant. Know where the people are that you came to the river or dam with; particularly young children who can so quickly wander off. Constantly be aware of how safe you are by checking the water depth around you.  Beware that rocks may be slippery. 

A familiar river can become a death trap when it is in flood. With the dirty water it becomes difficult to see where you are stepping. You could step into a hole, become unbalanced by stepping onto debris like fallen branches or slide on a slippery rock. The water also moves with so much force that you can very quickly be carried away.

Should any-one fall into the water, do not enter to try and rescue them. Too often a person drowns too when they are trying to save a friend. It is safer to rather use a stick that they can hold onto while you pull them out. You can also throw something for them to hold onto like an item of clothing, towel. A team that floats, like an empty, sealed plastic container works well too. 

Know the emergency number, 112 and where possible learn CPR. It can save a life!

Drowning is silent- we don’t want you to be a statistic and let’s make sure any water in or around our home is child safe.  To contact Slindile Mkhize if you require water safety lesson at your organization contact fortunate@searecue.org.za or 072 124 1255