As South Africa prepares to mark World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, safety experts are reminding families that drowning is not only a summer risk, warning that water-related emergencies can happen at any time of the year.
While many people associate drowning with beach holidays and swimming pools during warmer months, incidents also occur in rivers, dams, home pools and the sea throughout the year.
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. Many of these deaths are preventable.
“Many people think of drowning as a summer issue, but emergencies don’t follow the seasons,” said Ruan Vermaak, communications manager at CrisisOnCall.
“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.
