GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - Drowning is an often overlooked but very concerning global public health issue. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 360 000 people lose their lives due to drowning annually.
Surprisingly, drowning is:
- often fast
- silent!
It doesn’t happen the way you see in the movies where there may be yelling and waving. Just a silent gasping for air and 20 to 60 seconds later, submersion.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on drowning prevention, which will see 25 July observed as World Drowning Prevention Day every year to promote awareness and encourage action around the world.
In South Africa, approximately 1 500 people drown annually. Of these, 450 are children under 14 years. Most of those who drown do so in dams, rivers and streams. Sadly, most drownings of children under five years of age occur at, or near, their home.
NSRI water safety instructor Caville Abrahams showing the learners at Heidedal Primary how to do hands-on CPR in emergency situations.
Some ideas to keep your young children safe around the home:
- Vigilance. Have somebody dedicated to physically watch those who are swimming or near water. This person should not be distracted by their phone or conversations with others. Taking your eyes off children, even for a few seconds, could prove fatal.
- Special attention should be paid to washing basins, baths, dams, rivers, swimming pools and any water containers that children could fall into.
Should you witness a person in difficulty in water you can throw them a Pink Rescue Buoy, something else that floats or something that they can hold on to while you pull them out; without placing yourself in danger of drowning.
Know the emergency number, 112.
Learn how to do CPR, where you push hard and fast in the centre of the chest of a person who isn’t breathing.
NSRI Sea Rescue has a team of 20 instructors across the country who teach children and adults about water safety. The lessons are given at schools at no charge, and during lockdown the instructors conduct virtual lessons. Schools and crèches are welcome to contact the NSRI if they would like them to teach in their area.
If you would like to discuss a lesson in the Eden area or to take part in an online lesson, kindly contact Caville Abrahams on 071 871 9664 or at caville@searescue.org.za.
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