As South Africans prepare for their summer holiday, the National Sea Rescue Institute is hosting Water Safety Awareness month in November.
Spokesman Meriel Bartlett says drowning is one of the top five causes of death by injury in South Africa.
He says learning CPR should become a priority, adding: "This festive season, instead of buying expensive gifts, why not sign up for a CPR course, or become a member of NSRI."
General safety guidelines for children
- Be vigilant when children play next to the water, they can easily drown even in shallow water. Children should always be supervised by a competent adult.
- If you have a pool at home make sure it is fenced off; even ponds should be covered by a protective grid.
- Be aware that storm water drains, water filled ditches, baths and many other shallow sources of water pose a threat to your children.
- Do not encourage horseplay whilst in the water. Children can easily be injured or knocked unconscious. Never hold someone's head underwater.
- Inflatable beach and pool toys can be dangerous when used in the sea.
- Be cautious when alongside water. Banks are often wet and slippery and may crumble underfoot.
- Do not allow your child to swim in the sea if he or she has an open wound. Sharks can detect blood and other body fluids at dilutions of one part in a million.
- Should you encounter a shark whilst swimming, do not splash wildly but rather attempt to swim slowly backwards - frantic movement may just serve to attract further attention.
NSRI background
"The NSRI operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year.Our 700 crewmembers are all volunteers; men and women who have their own careers, families and hobbies but when they get the call for help, you become their priority.
"We offer our service free of charge and without prejudice. As a non-profit organisation we rely on sponsorships and donations to meet our annual running costs of R10 million. It should be noted note that a similar service would cost the government in the order of R100 million annually.
"We have 30 bases around the country, including inland on the Vaal and Haartebeespoort dams. We not only service the boating fraternity but also those involved in recreational water-sport of any nature. Our unique training and competency means that we are on standby for firefighting and emergency evacuation; we are also the official rescue crew for all airports located on the coastline."