WATER can be a fun and exciting place to be, but all too quickly it can become dangerous!
Sea Rescue estimates that about 1 500 people die from drowning each year. Of these, 450 are children.
In addition, there are people who do not die from drowning but have to live a poorer quality of life due to the complications after drowning.
To stay safe, remember:
- Swim when lifeguards are on duty;
- Swim between the flags;
- Never turn your back to the sea; you don’t need the surprise of a large wave or debris knocking you over.
Sea Rescue’s free online and classroom-based presentations cover:
- How to stay safe by spotting the dangers in water;
- What rip currents are and how to avoid drowning in them;
- Rescuing a peer in trouble without compromising your own safety;
- How to get help by calling 112;
- Hands-on CPR, which can be done while you wait for a trained professional to arrive.
For your lesson contact Vuyo Mekula, a water safety instructor on drowning prevention who is based in Gqeberha, at 078 825 0403 or vuyo@searescue.org.za.
