{"id":227515,"date":"2020-01-15T06:30:00","date_gmt":"2020-01-15T04:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/227515\/lowering-the-risk-of-drowning\/"},"modified":"2020-01-14T15:56:18","modified_gmt":"2020-01-14T13:56:18","slug":"lowering-the-risk-of-drowning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2020\/01\/15\/lowering-the-risk-of-drowning\/","title":{"rendered":"Lowering the risk of drowning"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the summer season in its prime, people often escape to swimming pools, beaches, dams and lakes to seek refuge from the sweltering heat.<\/p>\n

In South Africa there are approximately 1 541 drownings a year, according to a research conducted by the University of Cape Town and the Life Saving South Africa, which was posted in \u2018The South African Medical Journal\u2019 in 2018.<\/p>

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When it comes to being around water, it is better to be safe than sorry.<\/p>\n

Here are nine drowning prevention tips to keep in mind this season:<\/strong><\/p>

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\u2022 Always swim near and within sight or reach of a lifeguard at a dedicated swimming area.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Always swim between the red and yellow flags at a beach, and obey warning signs and lifeguards\u2019 instructions.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Never swim or engage in aquatic activity if under the influence of alcohol, or mind-altering substances.<\/p>\n

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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay safe in the swimming pool this festive season<\/a><\/p>\n

Keep safe in the water this summer<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2022 When outside, it is necessary to take precautions against the heat by staying hydrated with fresh clean water and applying sunscreen regularly.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Always keep a close eye on children when playing in and around water. Small children can drown in very little water, including bath tubs, fish ponds, water features, toilets, buckets and jacuzzis.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Do not dive into the shallow end of swimming pools, or any water if you are unable to see what is below the surface.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Never swim alone. Always ensure that children only swim when they are under the direct supervision of an adult who is able to swim and is sober.<\/p>\n

\u2022 It is crucial that swimming pools and other easily accessible water sources are covered with a pool net, or enclosed by a fence that is SABS approved. This is to prevent children from accidentally falling into the water.<\/p>\n

The summer season is the time to enjoy the sun. Be outdoors and escape from stress.<\/p>\n

To ensure a safe and pleasant summer season, it is advisable to take caution and follow water safety tips to prevent drowning.<\/p>\n

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Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Ashley Kiley (Journalist)\u00a0ashleyk@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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