Kaya 959 Lifestyle Reporter
The following drowning prevention tips are guided by Arrive Alive.
Drowning can happen in less than 2.5 centimetres of water.
Children need to be monitored at all times.
Children ages 1 to 4 years old are most likely to drown in residential swimming pools.
Second to children, males are most likely to drown because of risk-taking, overconfidence in swimming ability, and being under the influence of alcohol.
Here is a guide to use when swimming in a pool or at the sea.
Safe Swimming at the pool
- Supervise as actively as possible
- Avoid distractions when children are near water
- Insist on life jackets for children who can’t swim
- Advise children on safety in and around the pool
- Filters, drains and water intakes must be avoided. Loose hair or clothing can het tangles in these structures and can trap a child under water.
- Don’t leave pool toys in the water. A child may reach in to retrieve it.
Safe Swimming at Sea
- Only enter where the waves are straight and gentle
- Strong currents must be avoided
- If you are not able to swim out of the currents, call or wave for help.
- It is better to swim when the tide is rising as the sea will tend to wash you ashore and the backwash and rip currents are not so strong
- Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
- Do not try to swim ashore against the current – it will only tire you.
- Never swim alone – use the buddy system.
- Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
- If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
- Swimming aids such as water wings or noodles are fun toys for kids, but they should never be used in place of approved personal flotation devices.
- Be alert and steer clear of plant and animal life. Jellyfish, stingrays and other marine animals can cause painful stings or allergic reactions. Brushing up against certain types of seaweed or coral can result in painful scratches and scrapes.
Prevent drowning through effective education and training.
Teach your children about swimming safety and enrol them in swimming lessons. Prevent drowning and follow these swimming safety tips


