Several drownings have been reported following recent torrential rain and the opening of sluice gates in some parts of the Northern Cape.
The public must be extra vigilant when visiting or fishing at the Orange, Vaal, Riet and Modder River, said Lt. Col Sergio Kock, police spokesperson.
Canals also have a very dangerous appeal during the hot summer months, especially for children.
The police urge the public to adhere to the following water safety hints:
- Parents should always know the whereabouts of their children.
- Never swim alone.
- Supervise children when they are in the water.
- Do not play breath-holding games.
- Always wear a life vest when learning to swim.
- Do not jump in the water to save a friend.
- Enter the water feet first.
- Be extra careful when fishing, especially on row-boats and rocks.
- Stay away from pool drains, water holes, rivers, dams and canals to avoid being swept away by suddenly rising water or a flash flood.
- Never swim when under the influence of alcohol, strong medication or drugs.
- Never leave water buckets or baths filled with water unsupervised when small children are around.
A further safety hint is to keep in mind that you never know how deep any part of a river, canal, dam or water hole is. If it is deep and your feet do not touch the bottom after jumping in, it may lead to panic and increase your chances of drowning. If it is shallow, you may seriously hurt yourself when jumping in.
Take the current of a river or canal into account. Also, rivers and canals may have weirs or sluices where you could get stuck.
As we are heading into the school holidays and the festive season, parents and guardians are encouraged to take note of the above-mentioned important water safety hints, Kock emphasised.
