Have a water-safe break!

Published on 25th November, 2022 at 02:06 pm

It’s almost summer holidays, and if there’s one thing South Africans love, it’s good times with family and loved ones, enjoying sunny skies and sandy beaches. But when you’re relaxing by the water, it’s important to always keep safe and to stay vigilant. Death by drowning happens more frequently and more quickly than you think – about 1 500 people drown in South Africa every year, according to Lifesaving South Africa. These numbers are concentrated around summer and public holidays.

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In this article you’ll learn:

• How to stay safe at the beach this summer.
• What measures to take near the pool to keep everyone safe and happy.
• How your Sanlam Reality benefits can offer support when you need it most.

Colleen Capostagno, research convener at Lifesaving South Africa, recommends the following tips to keep safe around water:

Safety around the pool

Always designate a sober, competent adult to supervise fun in the pool. They should:

• Be able to respond in an emergency
• Not be distracted by their phone or other people
• Be within arm’s reach of young children in the pool
• Actively pass this responsibility to another adult when leaving the pool area
• Pack away pool toys when done, to limit the temptation for kids to go back in
• Close and secure all safety covers, nets and gates

How to stay safe at the beach

• Only swim where and when the lifeguards are on duty, in the designated areas – look out for the yellow and red flags so you know where to swim.
• Don’t swim alone.
• Don’t drink alcohol and swim. Alcohol makes you overconfident in your abilities and reduces your ability to assess risk. It also makes you more prone to hypothermia.
• Don’t use blow-up flotation devices – such as lilos, tubes and pool toys – in the sea. They are easily blown out to sea or beyond standing depth.
• When in trouble, wave your arms above your head and then float on your back to conserve energy.

Caught in a medical emergency? Here’s some guidance for steps to take until professional help arrives.

What is a rip current? And how do you get out of one?

A rip current is a strong current of water in between waves that moves directly away from the shore. The current is strongest and fastest on the surface, making it very dangerous for swimmers. “Rip currents are powerful currents of water and can sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea,” notes Lifesaving South Africa’s Janelle Naidoo.

The organisation says rip currents are often characterised by darker, muddier water, with seaweed and other debris floating out to sea. If you are stuck in a rip, don’t fight it – try to swim sideways, parallel to shore, out of the current toward the white water, rather than back to shore and against the current. Wave your arms to attract attention and then float on your back.

As a Sanlam Reality Club, Core, Plus, Health or Access for Sanlam Group Risk member, you have a free Trauma, Assault & HIV Assist benefit. Get help in a situation trauma has occurred, including 24-hour medical assistance and counselling telephonically by calling 0860 732 548/9. Learn more about this benefit here.

Reality Access for Sanlam Group Risk members also have 24/7 access to free emergency medical services.