At this time of year thousands of South Africans head to the beach or other venues and camping sites around swimming pools, rivers, and dams! It is unfortunately also a time when we receive many reports from the emergency medical services about drownings.
It is with this in mind that we decided to share information on the Arrive Alive road safety website about swimming safety and suggestions to prevent drownings! Perhaps the biggest focus is on supervision over children and never allowing children be on their own near water. This is also emphasized by the fact that drowning can occur in as little as 2,5 cm of water depth.
It is however not only children that drown! Teenagers and adults also drown -not because they cannot swim, but because they often enter the water intoxicated or bump their heads against objects in the water whilst intoxicated!
Rescue Care has alerted all those going on holiday to be alert to the dangers of binge drinking! We would like to quote:
“Binge drinking used to mean drinking heavily over several days. Now, however, the term refers to the heavy consumption of alcohol over a short period of time.
It is not always being intoxicated that is dangerous but more the unintentional injuries that are sustained as a result.
These include motor vehicle crashes, falls, burns, drowning, and hypothermia.”
For safety advice near water also view: