Water
safety
101
Summer is here and for most, it’s a happy time –
spent with family and friends soaking up
the sun. But for Zama and Sihle Ngcobo, this
time of the year brings up bad memories. The
couple, based in Auckland Park, recall the
pain of losing their son, 4 year old Simphiwe,
in a drowning incident.
Sitting outside their lovely home, Zama’s face lights up as she
reminisces about her son. “Simphiwe was very mischievous
– a happy but naughty little one. Most mothers will tell you
what raising a boy is like, you constantly running behind them
because they just want to touch and feel everything they see.”
His father, Sihle, could not hold back his tears as they recounted
that dark Christmas day two years ago. “It was supposed to be
a happy day for everyone. Our whole family was here. I was
with my brothers and uncles at the braai area when I heard
screaming. My nephews like making a lot of noise when their
together so I thought they have started with their nonsense.”
But it turned out the screams were a reaction to something
that no one had anticipated. Zama says one of her niece’s came
into the house running and screaming for help. “I immediately
got up and asked what was wrong and she just grabbed my
hand and pulled me outside with her.”
And there she saw her little boy, floating in the pool. “My world
just stopped. I couldn’t feel my legs and I don’t remember
what happened afterwards.”
Page 23
ER24 shares these tips to stay safe in the water:
• Remember that anyone, including people who can swim,
are at risk of drowning. Avoid taking risks and being
overconfident
• Refrain from drinking alcohol if you are swimming or
supervising others who are swimming. Remember that
alcohol impairs movement and thinking
• Children must always be supervised while around water
or if swimming. Never allow a child to swim without adult
supervision
• Keep your pool covered with an approved safety/pool net
when not in use. It is a good idea to put a fence around
your pool if it is not fenced
• Never dive into or act recklessly around a pool. Remember
that you could easily fall or slip into the water and get
injured
• Do not swim far out into the ocean. You may struggle due
to fatigue or get swept away. Swim in designated areas
• Wear a life jacket especially when participating in
water sports
• Never swim alone
• Learn how to swim if you do not know how to
• It is vital that you learn first aid and CPR, you never know
when you may need to assist someone in need
What to do if someone is drowning?
• If you are at the coast and you see a person drowning,
alert a lifeguard immediately. If you decide to save the
person yourself, only do so if you can swim. Also ensure
that you wear a flotation device
• If you see a person drowning and are able to get them out
of the water, initiate CPR if there is no pulse and breathing
• Do not stop CPR unless the victim starts to breathe on his/
her own
• Call for an ambulance as soon as possible and tell the call
taker what you are doing so they can send the correct
level of care
• Do not put the person in the car and drive to hospital. You
may be involved in an accident due to panic or the victim
may suffer brain damage while en route to hospital
• In case of a near drowning, seek medical attention as soon
as possible and explain clearly to medical staff what has
happened. There are instances where secondary
drowning occurs. This is more common in children
than adults and may be difficult to recognise
The person may seem okay even though they
have taken in water that finds its way to the
lungs
Bonitas Member Magazine 2016 Issue 4