Tragic drowning of a six-year-old in Umbilo highlights need for water safety

The fatal drowning of a six-year-old boy in Umbilo this week has renewed calls for ensuring children are water safe.

The boy was floating in a residential swimming pool in Brazilia Place more than two hours after he was reported missing.

Garrith Jamieson of ALS Paramedics said the child was pulled from the pulled from water, and unfortunately, there was nothing that paramedics could do for him. He was declared deceased.

In April, a three-year-old girl drowned in a pool on the Bluff.

At the time, Jamieson said, despite emergency teams' efforts, the child showed no signs of life and was declared deceased.

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) more than 236,000 people around the world die by drowning, every year.

"Drowning is one of the top 10 causes of death in children aged 5 - 14. This is just a statistic, it's a call to action, said NSRI CEO, Mike Vonk.

The NSRI said drowning is quick and silent.

"There is no yelling or waving like in the movies. Just a silent gasping for air and 20 to 60 seconds later, submersion," the institute said.

It added that many of these fatal drownings can be prevented if there was a responsible, able-bodied person watching children swim or when they are near water.

Pool nets or pool fences

Parents and care-givers are urged to be vigilant when their children are near water.

It is also important that pools are covered.

According to Nets for Africa, when pool nets are installed correctly, they are able to prevent drowning.

"Pool safety nets provide a proven and secure safety system, and peace of mind," the company said.

Another option is to fence the pool area.

"A pool fence can be an attractive addition to your garden. Pool fences are normally available in a wide selection of colours that blend in with the aesthetic of your home and garden. They do not need to be removed and replaced when somebody wants to go for a swim," Nets for Africa stated.

7 warning signs that someone is drowning:

• Struggling to keep their face above the water in an effort to breathe – head is low in the water, tilted back, and mouth is at water level.
• Their body is in a vertical or upright position. No supportive kick, appearing as if they are bobbing.
• Has arms extended to the side pressing down for support.
• Might continue to struggle underwater, but isn’t making any headway, often facing the nearest point of safety, for example land, a person, shallow water, a buoyant support toy or a boat.
• Panicked or wide eyes - the eyes appear big, glassy and empty, unable to focus;
• Inability to respond to the question: “Are you okay?”
• Silence

How you can make a difference:

• Learn to swim – Equip yourself and your children with basic water survival skills.
• Supervise children – Drowning is silent. Always keep a close watch on children.

[email protected]

IOL