Beach days are here and water safety is more important than ever. The National Sea Rescue Institute Station (NSRI) shared some basic safety tips:
1. Swim at beaches where and when lifeguards are on duty. Listen to their advice and talk to them about safety on the beach.
2. Swim between the lifeguard flags. Lifeguards watch swimmers very carefully between the flags – just wave an arm if you need help.
3. Don’t drink alcohol and then swim.
4. Don’t swim alone.
5. Adult supervision and barriers to water are vital. Adults who are supervising children in or near water must be able to swim. This is vital if it is at a water body that does not have lifeguards on duty. Children should not be able to get through or over barriers such as pool fences to water. Only use child-safe pool fences and child-safe pool covers or nets.
6. Don’t attempt a rescue yourself. Call a lifeguard or the NSRI by dialling 112, and contact the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre 087 094 9774 from your cellphone for help.
7. Watch children who are using floating objects, toys or tyre tubes at the beach or at dams very carefully. Never use these if the wind may blow them away from the shallow water.
8. Drowning is silent. Do not be distracted by your cellphone while you are looking after children in or near water. You need to focus on them and nothing else.
10. Learn to do CPR. Have emergency numbers saved on your phone.
