Police in the Eastern Cape have appealed to holidaymakers enjoying the festive season by the seaside or in pools to exercise extreme caution, after several incidents of drowning.
“We are appealing to parents and adults to exercise more caution as police cannot afford one more death that could have been avoided. A stern warning is issued to those who continue to drink [alcohol] and swim to refrain from this abhorred conduct before it is too late,” said police spokesperson Captain Khaya Tonjeni.
Two women aged between 20 and 22 drowned on Tuesday while swimming at Qolora by Sea at Centane, in the Amatole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape province. Both women’s bodies were recovered and their next of kin have been informed. Tonjeni said police have opened inquest dockets for both incidents.
In another incident, a Port Elizabeth man believed to be in his twenties drowned at Kariega River Mouth Beach on December 24 while swimming.
Meanwhile, a search party is out at Qolora by Sea, on South Africa’s Wild Coast, after a 12-year-old boy went missing.
“The parents, friends, family and police K9 Unit are helping search out for the missing teen or body. The boy was last seen enjoying a good swim when a wave hit them. He was never seen again,” said Tonjeni.
Police visibility has been heightened at East London, Port Alfred and Port St Johns beaches with officers on horseback patrolling the areas, sensitising community members to monitor their children while swimming, and warning adults about the dangers of swimming under influence of liquor.
“The police are confident that if the public exercises the [caution] of looking after children well while swimming, and avoiding swimming when drunk, a lot of drowning incidents will be avoided,” said Tonjeni.
“We urge parents to constantly talk to their children and make them aware of the possible dangers when in the water. Communication with your child is critical in the prevention of such incidents. Do not take matters for granted and do not make the common mistake in assuming that “it would not happen to my child”.
Police said children must not be left unattended in the water.
“There must always be adult supervision in the pool. Public pools are full of people having fun and not often notice is taken of a person in trouble in the water. The SAPS urges people who are unable to swim not to be allowed in the water at all and also people who are intoxicated not to enter the water,” said Tonjeni.
The police also warned the public to be vigilant, as criminals are also lurking at the beaches.
“Beachgoers are warned not to leave their vehicle keys and important personal items – cell phones, wallets etc – under towels or blankets while they are in the water. Unbeknown to the victim, opportunistic criminals are on the lurk and are watching. Make sure that someone is watching your belongings while you swim,” said Tonjeni.
“Victims only realise the loss of their belongings and break into their vehicles when they are leaving to go home.”
– African News Agency (ANA)
