Be water safety savvy this summer

Stay water wise

As we head into the December holiday period, remember to stay water wise. Our Trauma Assist benefit includes emergency medical response.

In recent months, ER24 has responded to a number of drownings. The number of drowning incidents will most likely increase leading up to the summer months and the festive season. Here are some tips to keep in mind to prevent drowning:

Never leave children unsupervised near water. It is important that adults who supervise must be able to swim as well.
Remember that anyone, including people who can swim are at risk of drowning, so avoid taking risks and being overconfident.
Swim where there are lifeguards on duty. Go during lifeguard patrolling hours which are usually between 10h00 until 18h00.
Make sure that you are seen by lifeguards in the water. Don’t swim outside the designated swimming area, this area is chosen because there are no currents and it is outside the surf zones.
Don’t drink alcohol on the beach, this is illegal and extremely dangerous. Alcohol dulls your senses which in turn makes it difficult to swim.
Never swim alone
Learn to do basic CPR, you never know when you’ll need to assist someone in need.