The World Health Organisation says that drowning in children under the age of five has staggering numbers… 360 000 each year! That is more than six children every hour of every day of every year! Odette Randelhoff, a well-respected swimming teacher in Pietermaritzburg strongly believes that ‘a safe swimmer is a happy swimmer’ and yet drowning statistics are on the increase! Do not become a statistic. “Swimming should be fun BUT safe.” says Odette.
A set of basic rules should be adhered to AT ALL TIMES:
• No unsupervised swimming. Children must tell an adult (and the adult MUST answer and acknowledge the child) before entering a pool.
• NO child should be allowed on the pool surround at any time unless they are actually about to enter the pool.
• Children should always enter the pool safely at the steps or shallow end of the pool. No running and jumping into the pool!
• NO ROUGH PLAY! No person should hold onto another in the pool unless they are attempting to save them.
• Children should only swim in a recognised swimming costume. This would assist parents – if you see your child in a costume, be aware that they are going swimming!
• No eating or drinking in a pool.
• No swimming in a storm. If you can hear thunder or see lightning, no-one should be in or near the pool.
• Every swimmer should be aware of their limitations in the water.
Written by Odette Randelhoff