1. Only swim in lifeguarded areas. Local piers, lakes etc are not suitable for swimming. Currents, tides and hazards make swimming in these areas treacherous.
2. When out in the water on jet ski's or boats always wear a lifejacket which has been safety checked.
3. Never consume alcohol in or around water!Never swim after consuming alcohol.
4. Kids with armbands should not be allowed swim in open water. I heard of a case where a child jumped into deep water raising his arms up in the air. When he hit the water the 2 armbands shot off his arms sending him under water.
5. Never swim alone.
6. Never swim after eating.
7. Never swim after hard exercise.
8. Never use air mattresses in open water. Tides and currents can carry the mattress far out to sea in the blink of an eye.
9. Always swim parallel to the beach. Never swim away from the shoreline.
10.If you cannot swim do not allow the beach water past your hips. Going any further out is extremely dangerous if you lose your balance, step in a hole or get carried by a wave.
11. Never swim in an unknown area. Sharp objects, reefs etc can cause injury!
12. Never swim in around weeds. These can easily catch your feet.
13. If you notice a missing ring buoy report it to the relevant authority.
14. Always empty paddling pools after use. A toddler could easily fall in.
15. Never take your eyes off children near water.
IMPORTANT
NEVER enter the water to save someone!CALL 999! When a person is drowning the first thing they will do is grab you to push themselves up. In a distressed situation panic sets in and they do not know what they are doing! Very commonly double drownings occur. These happen when someone jumps in to rescue another. Always put a barrier between you and the victim. Call 999 and use rescue aids nearby from the bank until help arrives. Often your voice can be the most vital rescue aid. Reassure the victim and tell them to kick.
How to use a ring buoy with no rope attached
1.Call for help
2.Using 1 hand swing the ringbuoy by your side.Take a few swings so you can throw the distance.
3. Never hold or throw it by its rope. Hold the main frame.
4. Aim for in front of the person and throw.
5. Talk to them, tell them what to do and reassure them everything is ok!
6. Lie down on the river bank shoulders behind the edge and as they kick in, grab the top of one of their wrists and pull them into the bank.Assist them out and seek medical attention.
1. Call for help
2. Place the end of the rope under your foot. Coil up the remaining rope leaving a little slack to throw the ring buoy.
3. Hold the rope in 1 hand and the ringbuoy in the other.
4. Take a few practice swings and throw both the rope and ring buoy together keeping your foot on the end of the rope at all times.
5. Aim for behind the person when the rope is attached. That way you can pull it towards them.
6. Tell them grab on and as you pull them in, drop down on your stomach shoulders behind the edge and ensure your foot is on the rope at all times. Never lose contact with the rope.
7. As they kick in, grab the top of one of their wrists and pull them into the bank.Assist them out and seek medical attention.
What can i use if there is no ringbuoy
1. Clothing- Use a pants/Jumper by holding one end and throwing the other end for them to grab. This will only work if they are close to the bank.
2. Ball/ Inflatable object- Throw the object in front of the person. Tell them to grab it and kick.
3. A stick- Hold one end and let them grab the other end.
Use common sense! We are surrounded by several things we could use in an emergency situation. Only ever grab the top of their wrist that way if they try to pull you in you can let go.
Don't forget to call for help 999!
Don't forget to inform your kids of these safety tips!
Please stay safe and enjoy this beautiful weather :)
