World Drowning Prevention Day reminds South Africans that water safety requires year-round vigilance, with simple precautions helping prevent tragedies involving children and adults.
As South Africa marks World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, CrisisOnCall is urging families to recognise that drowning is not only a summer risk but a year-round danger requiring constant awareness.
While swimming pools, beaches and rivers are often associated with the warmer months, drowning incidents occur throughout the year in pools, dams, rivers and the sea. According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), nearly 1,500 people drown in South Africa each year, with almost 29% of victims being children under the age of 14.
CrisisOnCall Communication Manager Ruan Vermaak says many of these tragedies are preventable through greater awareness and preparation.
“Many people think of drowning as a summer issue, but emergencies don’t follow the seasons,” says Vermaak. “Whether it’s a swimming pool at home, a farm dam, a river crossing or an organised cold-water swim in the sea, the risks remain throughout the year.”
He adds that drowning remains one of the most common emergency call-outs handled by CrisisOnCall and that simple safety measures can significantly reduce the risk.
The organisation encourages families to never leave children unattended near water, secure swimming pools with appropriate safety measures, avoid swimming alone, stay away from alcohol during water activities, learn CPR and basic first aid, keep emergency numbers accessible and have a clear emergency response plan.
“Emergencies happen in seconds. Having a clear emergency response plan and immediate access to professional emergency assistance can make all the difference. It can save a life,” says Vermaak.
CrisisOnCall is encouraging South Africans to use World Drowning Prevention Day as an opportunity to review their household water safety practices, reminding families that a few simple precautions today could save a life tomorrow.
