George Municipality reminds all residents and visitors to practise vigilance around water at all times. Drowning can happen silently, in seconds, and often in unexpected places. These practical safety guidelines can help save lives:
Essential Water Safety Tips:
• Learn life-saving skills: Equip yourself and your family with basic swimming abilities and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Always supervise children: A responsible adult must actively supervise children around water – pools, bathtubs, rivers, ponds or the ocean. Never rely on older children to watch younger ones.
• Stay within reach: Keep children under four within arm’s length when they are near or in water.
• Avoid distractions: Don’t be distracted by work, phones, technology, or alcohol when supervising children near water.
• Secure water areas:
o Fence pools, ponds, and large water storage units with a four-sided isolation fence at least 1.2 metres high and a self-closing, self-latching gate.
o Always refit pool safety nets after use and ensure gates are locked when pools are not in use.
o Install alarms – floating pool alarms, door alarms, or external motion sensors can enhance safety.
• Don’t rely on floatation toys: Inflatable devices like armbands, rings, and noodles are not life-saving equipment. Constant supervision remains essential.
• Teach water safety: Teach children how to swim and behave safely around water, but never leave them unsupervised.
• Beware of suction points: Keep children away from pool and Jacuzzi drains – hair, clothing, or limbs can get trapped in the suction.
• Watch for small water dangers: Young children can drown in as little as 2.5 cm of water. Be cautious with:
o Buckets and basins
o Bathtubs and toilets
o Pet water bowls and fish tanks
o Decorative water features
Emergency Contact Numbers:
• George Fire and Rescue: 044 801 6311
• Toll-Free Disaster Line: 087 152 9999
• NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute): 082 990 5955 | 087 094 9774
Drowning is preventable. Stay alert, take precautions, and make water safety a daily habit