The police Diving Unit in Port Elizabeth is appealing to
parents and guardians to ensure that their children are safe when going to the
beach or swimming in dams after two young children recently drowned in Nelson
Mandela Bay.
During the first incident at approximately 11:15 on
Thursday, a 12-year-old boy went missing while swimming in a dam at NU12 in Motherwell.
The body of another child (16) was retrieved from a dam in Walmer three hours
later on the same day. Both bodies were recovered by the police Diving Unit and
PE K9 Search and Rescue Team. Inquest dockets were opened for both drownings.
“The festive season is synonymous with summer and its heat
and during this time there is a noticeable increase in the number of drownings,”
police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu said.
“We urge parents to constantly talk to their children and
make them aware of the possible dangers when in the water. Communication with
your child is critical in the prevention of such incidents. Children who cannot
swim should not be left playing alone in the water,” Naidu added.
Source: SAPS media statement
