Living More Safely Near Water

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BE AWARE: TAKE CARE- WATCH CHILDREN NEAR WATER!

We would like to ask parents and caregivers to be alert near water and watch young closely especially during the summer months. Every day more than one child drowns in South Africa. Most of these drownings can be prevented.

Please take note of the following important messages to prevent drowning.

POOL SAFETY

• Always supervise children, especially the young near water. Even if they can swim they still need to be watched.
• We recommend that swimming pools should be fully fenced with a self closing and self latching gate. SABS specifications on pool fences are available.
• Do not prop pool fence gates open. Many children have drowned in fenced pools because someone left the gate open.
• Make sure there is nothing for your child to climb onto near the pool i.e. pot plants, trees. Make sure your child does not have access to the pool from the house.
• If you do not want to make use of a fence, install a pool safety net. These should always be kept on when pool is not in use and once taken off children should be supervised. Always use pool nets according to instructions.
• Never rely on floatation devices or swimming lessons to protect your young child.

GENERAL WATER SAFTEY

• Never leave small children unattended in the bath. A drowning happen in a matter of seconds. If you have to leave the bathroom, take your child with you.
• Always empty containers of water. Keep nanny buckets closed or high out of reach.
• The fish pond should always be covered with mesh or a net to prevent infants from drowning.
• Make sure your toddler does not have access to a Jacuzzi.
• Always empty paddling pools after use or close safely.
• If you live near natural hazards such as rivers, dams, vleis, you can’t fence these so fence your backyard or property. Always know where your children are.
• When boating everyone should wear lifejackets.
• Always supervise children at the beach and at public swimming pools.
• Small children should never swim alone.
• Always be prepared for emergencies, learn CPR.
• Teach children to swim as soon as possible and also teach them water survival skills.

REMEMBER CHILDREN CAN DROWN IN JUST 4 CM OF WATER. THEY CAN DROWN SILENTLY IN JUST A FEW MINUTES. IRREVERASBLE BRAIN DAMAGE COULD OCCUR IN A FEW MINUTES.

THE GOLDEN RULE: NEVER LEAVE YOUNG CHILDREN ALONE NEAR WATER, ALWAYS WATCH THEM.

Free water safety leaflets available from CAPFSA as well as Information on swimming teachers. Write to CAPFSA, PO BOX 791, Rondebosch, 7701 Tel: 021 6855208