​South Africa experiences extremely hot temperatures during the summer season, leading many children to seek respite in swimming pools, often without adult supervision.

With only 20% of South Africans able to swim, there’s a high number of drowning incidents recorded each summer. Approximately 600 children and 200 adults drown in South Africa every year.

With Joburg in the middle of the summer season, many families are already planning to holiday near swimming pools, rivers, dams, and ocean beaches. However, sometimes this end in tragedy if one doesn’t have knowledge about water safety.

This year, the City’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) aims to educate children and adults about water safety in a bid to help residents avoid drowning.

“Often residents hear stories about children drowning in home pools. The EMS warns parents or child-minders to be vigilant and not leave children unattended around a swimming pool or any open source of water to reduce drowning incidents,” says Marie Malatjie, an EMS Public Information Education and Relations Officer.

Malatjie says if an unattended child falls into a swimming pool, adults should not panic but try to pull them out.

“If the parents can’t swim, they should coach the child to reach the pool’s edge so they can easily pull them out,” she adds.

It’s ideal to have a residential swimming pool, but residents need to exercise caution and prioritise safety around water, particularly for children. Residents are advised to cover a swimming pool that is not in use but filled to maximum capacity with a net or to erect a fence around it to prevent drowning incidents, Malatjie says.

It’s widely acknowledged that during the summer season, heavy rains fill dams, rivers, and streams to capacity. Residents are encouraged to always be vigilant around water bodies because they can be unpredictable and to avoid swimming in rivers during the rainy season.

Rhulani Chavalala, another Public Information Education and Relations officer, encourages residents to learn to swim.

“Parents should watch out for having their children play near construction sites where there is an open body of water if the area is not fenced. When swimming for leisure, residents should ensure there’s always someone close by to help in case of an emergency. Water can be fascinating for people of all ages, but adults should be responsible and avoid entering deep waters if they cannot swim,” Chavalala cautions.

With the festive season fast approaching, Chavalala warns residents to avoid swimming while intoxicated.
“Water and alcohol don’t mix, as this increases the chance of someone drowning. Stay away from water if you are under the influence of alcohol,” he warns.

Residents should also check the weather forecast before dipping into the swimming pool, as this influences water tides, making it easy to be swept away when there is wind. “Always listen to the instructions of lifeguards when entering a large body of water.”

“As families jet off to vacation near water bodies to surf, sail, or canoe, please ensure each member has a lifejacket as anything can happen during water sports. Joburgers should avoid diving into unfamiliar bodies of water as these might be deeper than originally thought,” warns Vincent Maribe, a Public Information Education and Relations officer.

Maribe advises residents to listen to important announcements on the radio because the City’s EMS always issues alerts for places to avoid during flash floods.

“Don’t attempt to cross rivers or bridges in case of flooding as the water current might be stronger than expected. Residents should also avoid erecting structures next to rivers, as these are the most affected during flash floods. Those who live in low-lying areas should seek refuge on higher ground in the event of heavy rains,” Maribe says.