Water safety tips to prevent drowning

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Water safety tips to
prevent drowning

Don't let a day of swimming and splashing in the surf turn into a serious tragedy. Keep it safe and sensible - and always have the Netcare 911 app on hand.

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Tips to prevent drowning

  • Only swim at a dedicated swimming beach with a lifeguard on duty.
  • Always swim between the red and yellow flags. Don't swim too far out to sea, and obey warning signs and lifeguards' instructions.
  • Avoid swimming alone – buddy up with a friend or family member, or swim in between a group of people. Never snorkel or scuba dive on your own.
  • Never swim in the sea, dams or rivers at night.
  • If you get into trouble, raise your right hand into the air and shout for help, to get the attention of the lifeguards or other swimmers.
  • Never swim if you have consumed alcohol or taken any drugs.
  • Do not dive into the shallow end of a swimming pool or into rivers, dams or lakes if you cannot see what is below the surface.
  • Small children can drown in very little water. Always drain water from bath tubs and empty buckets or keep the bucket lids firmly on, keep toilet lids closed and fit nets over water features and fish ponds where possible, or keep a close eye on children playing near such water features.
  • Ensure that children only swim under direct supervision of an adult who is sober and able to swim.
  • Make sure your swimming pool is covered with a pool net or enclosed with a SABS approved fence to prevent children from accidentally falling into the water. Fit your Jacuzzi with a cover that can be firmly secured.
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, jet skiing, canoeing, rafting or tubing on open water.

In a medical emergency call Netcare 911 on 082 911.