Page 37 - Waterfall City Dec 2023_Jan 2024 Issue

Water safety
“Tragically, the risk of drowning increases with hot
weather, and drowning can occur anywhere. It is important
to constantly assess any potential risks around water,
particularly where children are concerned,” says Kekana.

Follow these safety tips:
• Never swim alone.
• Never swim in the sea, dams or rivers at night.
• Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or other
intoxicants.
• When near water, children must always be supervised by a
responsible adult who is not distracted.
• Ensure that children do not have access to pools, ponds,
water features, baths, or even a bucket of water or an open
toilet – young children can drown in just 4cm of water.
• Ensure that your swimming pool is covered with a pool
net or is enclosed with an SABS-approved fence to prevent
children from accidentally falling into the water.
• At the beach, only swim in designated areas with lifeguards
and don’t swim far out.
• Remember: swimming in the sea is very different to
swimming in a pool or dam, even for experienced
swimmers.
• Do not dive into any body of water if you cannot see what
is below the surface, and always be sure to test the depth
first.

Hot weather
• Sunburn is an ever-present danger. Parents must regularly
apply high protection factor sunscreen to their children.
• Outdoor activities should be avoided during the hottest
part of the day.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeinated
drinks.
• Senior citizens are more vulnerable to heat exhaustion and
heatstroke, so take special care to ensure that they are kept
cool and well hydrated.
• Antihistamines, diuretics and alcohol should be avoided if
spending time in the sun.
• Never leave your child or anyone – including a pet – in a
parked car, even for short periods.

Who are you going to call?
“Make a list of emergency contact numbers, including
emergency medical services such as Netcare 911 that you
can reach on 082 911, and stick it on the fridge or anywhere
that will be quick to find when needed,” advises Kekana. emergency vehicle can find them – even in remote areas or
“Keep the numbers saved on all cellphones and on a visible if the caller doesn’t know the address.
card near landline telephones.
“The Netcare App also includes a Netcare 911 60-second
“The Netcare App is especially helpful in a stressful call-back option and detailed resource tracking, allowing the
emergency situation, when it can be difficult to remember user to follow the ambulance or response vehicles.
what number to call and to provide directions. The
emergency call and geolocation functions on the app “A few simple precautions can make for a less stressful
assist in minimising response times by connecting callers summer, and Netcare 911 is here to assist you in any medical
and ensuring that we have their precise location so the emergency,” concludes Kekana.

Waterfall City Issue 12 2023/Issue 1 2024 35