With the holiday season finally here, safety is being highlighted as many will flock to the beach or go on a much-needed vacation, leaving their homes unattended.
The Table View and Milnerton police, including various organisations, have issued stern warnings to the community around home and water safety this festive season.
According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), in South Africa 29% of fatal drownings are children under 14 years of age. They are urging all parents to be vigilant and never let their children swim without adult supervision.
Beach safety
The NSRI says you should always swim at beaches where and when lifeguards are on duty. Lifeguards are only on duty at selected beaches.
“The times that they are on duty vary from beach to beach so it’s important to find out local information pertaining to when they will be on duty. Listen to the lifeguards’ advice and talk to them about safety on the beach that you are visiting.
“If lifeguards are not on duty, do not swim. And don’t ever be tempted to swim on an unfamiliar or deserted beach while on a road trip,” says the NSRI.
Don’t drink alcohol and then swim. Being physically impaired in water is very dangerous, as you will be more inclined to take risks you normally would not.
“Don’t swim alone. Always swim with a buddy. If you are with a buddy while swimming, there is someone who can call for help if you need it.”
The NSRI says beachgoers should avoid attempting a rescue themself.
“If you see someone in difficulty, call a lifeguard at once or dial the nearest NSRI station or 112 from your cellphone. After calling for help, try and throw something that floats to the person in difficulty. If there is a Pink Rescue Buoy in close proximity, this can be used as flotation until help arrives. If you do ever attempt a bystander rescue, do so only if you can swim and are able to take flotation with you. Tell someone on the beach to call 112 before you go in.
“While you are looking after children in or near water, you need to focus on them and nothing else. Remember – drowning is silent.”
Home safety
The police have also urged the community to implement safety measures around their homes when leaving it unattended.
Capt Adriana Chandler says a high fence around the house with lockable gates is much safer than a high wall due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides. “The primary aim of the fence is to make access/intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house. Ensure that your gates are locked at all times,” Chandler says.
An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent, Chandler says.
“In the rural environment a siren/alarm on the roof that can be heard over a long distance and that can be activated by means of a switch/panic button in the house, is recommended,” she adds.
Safety precautions
Chandler says residents should ensure that doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home.
“Large dogs serve as a deterrent. At least one dog should be trained to sleep inside the house. If you leave your residence, inform your family/ neighbours of your intended destination, time you expect to return and the route you will be driving, especially if you reside in a rural area.
Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders that can be used in an attack, are locked away when you do not use them.”
- Vary your daily routine;
- Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights;
- Remain awake for a while. You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep;
- Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position;
- Contact your neighbour to assist you in securing your home;
- Identify relatively safe places of refuge, i.e. bathroom, toilet or storeroom;
- The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better;
- Report suspicious behaviour and information to the police;
- Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places;
- Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours so that you will be in a good position to support and help each other;
- Do not allow strangers on your premises or in your house;
- Change locks when keys are lost;
- Inform your children not to give an indication that adult supervision is not available when they answer the phone.
