Safety tips when visiting the beach this summer
South Africans will be flocking to the coastal areas like Jeffreys Bay for the summer holidays. While a day at the beach is one of the ultimate pleasures while on holiday, there are dangers when going for a swim.
1. Swim at beaches where and when lifeguards are on duty.
Lifeguards are on duty at selected beaches between on weekends and during the week during summer school holidays. Listen to their advice and talk to them about safety on the beach that you are visiting. They are the experts on that beach. If lifeguards are not on duty do not swim.
2. Swim between the lifeguard’s flags.
Teach children that if they swim between the lifeguard’s flags the lifeguards will be watching them and can help if there is a problem. Lifeguards watch swimmers very carefully between the flags – just wave an arm if you need help.
3. Don’t Drink and Drown
Alcohol and water do not mix. Never drink alcohol and then go swimming.
4. Don’t swim alone. Always swim with a buddy.
If you are with a buddy while swimming there is someone who can call for help if you need it and you can’t wave to the lifeguards or call for help yourself.
5. Adult supervision and barriers to water are vital.
Adults who are supervising children in or near water must be able to swim. This is vital if it is at a water body that does not have lifeguards on duty.
It is extremely dangerous to get into the water to rescue someone so rather throw something that floats to the person in difficulty and calls for help (112 from a cell phone and check for the nearest Sea Rescue station telephone number before you visit a beach – put that number into your cell phone).