Home > Medical > First aid > Drowning 29 June 2005 Tips to prevent drowning Thousands of South Africans drown every year. Follow these tips to make sure that this doesn't happen to you. 0 Pin It Assess Am I at risk of a stroke? » Join Parenting Forum » Ask CyberDoc » Quiz Would you survive disaster? » Breathe for me Become an organ donor Always supervise children near water, even buckets of water or fish ponds – as little as five centimetres of water could pose a risk for a small child. Because of the disproportionate weight of their heads, toddlers can easily topple over and find it difficult to lift their heads to breathe. Never leave a child under four alone in the bath, even for a second. If you need to leave the room, wrap your child in a towel and take her with you. Pull out the plug once you are finished. Ensure that everyone in the family knows how to swim. Swim lessons for children under four should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning. Young children should always wear approved life vests (inflatable rings and water wings are not effective). Make sure that the vest fits snugly and is comfortable. Remember that they are only swimming aids, not life preservers. Fence off your pool and preferably use a pool net as well. Get a lockable cover for jacuzzis or sunken baths. Remove the ladder of above-the-ground pools after use. Don’t leave toys in and around the pool when not in use as children may be tempted to retrieve them. Don’t install a diving board. Never allow anyone to dive head-first into pools which are less than 2.5 m deep. When at the beach, only swim in designated areas and if a lifeguard is on duty. Don’t stand with your back towards the water as a sudden wave could knock you over; if you are caught in a current, swim parallel to the shore or tread water until help arrives. No-one, not even adults, should swim alone or when intoxicated. Attend a CPR class and make sure that your childminder knows first aid and rescue methods. More in Medical Drowning More: First aidDrowning advertisement Get a quote Selfmed - the one with the apple Momentum - save up to 35% on healthcare Medihelp - quality, affordable medical scheme cover Frank.Net - save on life insurance! advertisement Read Health24’s Comments Policy Comment on this story 0 comments Add your comment Thank you, your comment has been submitted. Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Loading comments... Other news Medical Blame your parents for bunion woes Lifestyle Scientists explore future tropical rainfall Lifestyle Alcoholics who smoke may face early brain ageing Medical Acne pill benefits outweigh blood clot risk: EU agency Fitness Outrage over doping in professional sport Lifestyle Scientists say humans are causing global climate change From our sponsors There are more than 200 different viruses which can cause a cold A clinically proven skin care range is now available Medihelp’s regional information sessions Superior comfort and support Live healthier Keep your bones healthy » Osteoporosis risk The beauty of bones Ask the expert Osteoporosis facts Here are some interesting facts about the condition that you might not have known: Fight cold and flu » Myths and facts Cold or flu? Where germs hide 15 tips to stay healthy in winter Don't let colds and flu stop you this winter.
0 Pin It Assess Am I at risk of a stroke? » Join Parenting Forum » Ask CyberDoc » Quiz Would you survive disaster? » Breathe for me Become an organ donor Always supervise children near water, even buckets of water or fish ponds – as little as five centimetres of water could pose a risk for a small child. Because of the disproportionate weight of their heads, toddlers can easily topple over and find it difficult to lift their heads to breathe. Never leave a child under four alone in the bath, even for a second. If you need to leave the room, wrap your child in a towel and take her with you. Pull out the plug once you are finished. Ensure that everyone in the family knows how to swim. Swim lessons for children under four should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning. Young children should always wear approved life vests (inflatable rings and water wings are not effective). Make sure that the vest fits snugly and is comfortable. Remember that they are only swimming aids, not life preservers. Fence off your pool and preferably use a pool net as well. Get a lockable cover for jacuzzis or sunken baths. Remove the ladder of above-the-ground pools after use. Don’t leave toys in and around the pool when not in use as children may be tempted to retrieve them. Don’t install a diving board. Never allow anyone to dive head-first into pools which are less than 2.5 m deep. When at the beach, only swim in designated areas and if a lifeguard is on duty. Don’t stand with your back towards the water as a sudden wave could knock you over; if you are caught in a current, swim parallel to the shore or tread water until help arrives. No-one, not even adults, should swim alone or when intoxicated. Attend a CPR class and make sure that your childminder knows first aid and rescue methods. More in Medical Drowning More: First aidDrowning