Swimming in Dams, Lakes and rivers. Natural water Swimming conditions can be u…

Swimming in Dams, Lakes and rivers.

Natural water
Swimming conditions can be unpredictable in ponds, lakes, rivers and oceans. In natural water, the depth can change rapidly, as can water temperature, currents and the weather. Murky water might also conceal hazards.

Don’t let children swim alone or without adult supervision.

Children should wear a life jacket near all natural water and also when fishing from the shore.

Always enter natural water feet first. Don’t let children dive in.

Check the water temperature before swimming.
Icy water can cause shortness of breath which leads to panic.

Never allow children to swim in drainage ditches or other water-filled areas not intended for swimming.

Never allow a child to play in flood waters, no matter how shallow the water may seem.
Children should always swim with a buddy and be discouraged from playing pranks or jokes in the water.

Rivers, streams and dams

River currents are often stronger than they appear. If you are unsure of how strong the current is, throw a stick in the water to check how fast the water is moving.

Teach a child, if caught in a current, to float on his/her back downstream with their feet first to avoid a head injury. If possible, they should angle their body towards the shore/banks.

After heavy rains, streams and rivers quickly change and without warning. A place that might usually be safe to cross a river may be dangerous even after light rain in the area. Find a safer point to cross in the rainy season.

Don’t allow children to play on river banks. They can crumble easily, and are often slippery. Sharp rocks and branches can also cause head injuries if they fall on the banks, causing them roll into the water.

http://www.topstep.co.za/water-safety-tips/

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