The Department of Water and Sanitation in Free State calls on the residents, particularly children, to be stay safe in and around areas of water during this festive season, be it at lakes, canals, dams, rivers or even swimming pools.
As we get into the jolly festive season mood and most fun activities happen near places of water where people will be tempted to swim, it is important for people to stay safe around water because drowning can happen, and it is often times quick and silent.
The Department of Water and Sanitation views these unfortunate incidents seriously and urges the residents to be cautious when engaging in activities in areas of water.
It is important to always be vigilant and careful around water especially where kids are involved. Supervision is the best way to help prevent children from getting injured or drown.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has experienced casualties of drowning on an annual basis. The recent unfortunate in Virginia, when a young child drowned while playing at a pond.
The following safety warning when near water bodies:
- Holiday goers are requested to stay away from dams and rivers when intoxicated.
- Do not fish using nets that require one to go inside the water.
- Do not contaminate rivers and dams by littering.
- Don’t swim in rivers and dams; you risk drowning or contracting water-borne diseases.
- Do under no circumstances leave children unattended around water.
- Always have a designated adult appointed to watch over young children near any body of water. It takes a split second of neglect for a drowning to take place.
- Never allow a young child in the pool without an adult, regardless of how confident you may feel.
- Don’t allow a young child to play in the vicinity of an accessible swimming pool or sea.
- Don’t think your child is immune just because they are having swimming lessons. Something as unexpected as a cramp or strong currant could undermine all their previous training.
- Flotation devices, nets and fences are no substitute for caution and supervision
- Learn Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This is especially advisable for babysitters, minders, parents and older siblings
- Keep a list of emergency numbers programmed on your cell phone and make sure that everyone in the household knows how to access help in such a situation.
South Africa still remains a water scarce country, and everyone is encouraged to use water sparing during the festive season and beyond.
