Holiday makers urged to be vigilant
Emergency services are urging people who are heading to the beach this holiday season to be vigilant when swimming.
Drowning is listed as one the leading causes of accidental death among children in South Africa, but is one of the most preventable.
This week alone, at least 3 incidents have been reported in and around Durban. KZN Emergency Medical Services' Robert McKenzie says there's always a spike in drownings during the December holiday period.
McKenzie has urged beachgoers to swim in areas where lifeguards are on duty and to remain within designated swimming areas.
He says other bathers who aren't lifeguards need to be careful - especially if they see people in distress.
"If there is an emergency, and unless you are a good swimmer and are confident that you are, do not enter the water. We find that many would-be rescuers, despite their best intentions, sadly also become drowning victims", he said.
"Call the emergency services immediately. If a person has been recovered from the water and is unconscious, is not breathing and if you know how, you may perform CPR", McKenzie said.
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