Central SA
Police urge public to exercise caution to prevent drownings─── 15:26 Wed, 15 Feb 2023
Following the heavy rainfall in the country and after the state of disaster declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa , the public is being advised to be cautious of open water, fast-flowing rivers, and dams that are filled to capacity.
In response to South Africa’s power crisis, Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster last week. Furthermore, the national disaster legislation was used in March 2020 to address the Covid-19 pandemic and in April 2022 to address floods in KZN. The national state of disaster has been declared to enable an intensive response to widespread floods in North West, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu Natal.
ALSO READ: National state of disaster declared over heavy rains, flooding
Colonel Adéle Myburgh from Potchefstroom has requested members of the community to be wary of dams that are filled, especially after heavy rains. It has been noted that the Vaal River has a strong current, also the Crocodile River, as well as smaller rivers that form part of the drainage basin of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
On Monday morning, four people were stranded in Modderdam after they failed to cross the river due to a strong flowing current. Two adults and two kids were successfully saved thanks to the quick action of police divers.
Safety tips have been issued to the public when they want to cross a river or if they would like to swim in a dam, river or lake:
•Check the current's intensity before getting in the water.
•Traveling feet first will protect your head and body if you get stuck in a fast-moving river.
Should it happen that you fall into the water and you are unable to stand or reach the side quickly, you should:
•Stay calm and try not to swallow any water.
•Try to keep your head above the water – you should kick like you're cycling and use your hands to paddle at the same time.
•Check the weather on the day you want to go outside, and make sure you always have a cell phone on hand and someone with you who can give CPR if necessary.
•If you swim in a place with a strong current, such as where two rivers meet, it can be easy to be pulled under and swept away.
•Inform your kids of the risks associated with being in open water and instruct them on what to do in an emergency.
