drowns

A 14-year-old has drowned in a dam in the Stranger area. Image: IPSS Medical Rescue Facebook.

14-year-old DROWNS in dam in KwaDukuza

A 14-year-old has drowned in a dam in Stranger around the KwaDukuza area after he entered the water to retrieve his ball

drowns

A 14-year-old has drowned in a dam in the Stranger area. Image: IPSS Medical Rescue Facebook.

Emergency services responded to reports of a boy that has drowned in Stranger, KwaDukuza on Thursday, 29 December.

Teenager drowns after retrieving ball

IPSS Medical Rescue Search and Rescue and SAPS Search and Rescue were on the scene at an upper Stanger dam.

According to reports from the scene, a 14-year-old boy entered the water to retrieve a soccer ball, but he got into trouble and disappeared beneath the water.

His body was recovered and handed over to SAPS to form part of an investigation.

Safety tips around water

Several instances of drowning have been reported this month.

Arrive Alive provides the following tips for water safety.

  • Swimming conditions can be unpredictable due to changes in water depth, temperature, currents, and weather.
  • To stay safe, consider the water conditions, your limits, and the use of safety equipment such as life jackets.
  • When boating, tubing, or rafting, always wear a life jacket.
  • Don’t go swimming by yourself. Never let your child swim alone or without adult supervision.
  • Teach your children that swimming in open water differs from swimming in a pool.
  • Boat owners are required by law to keep life jackets on board their vessels. Even if you can swim, wear one.
  • Be extremely cautious of children who use personal watercraft such as jet skis! They are designed for adults and necessitate specialized training.
  • If you are swimming in a lake or river where there are no lifeguards, wear a life jacket.
  • Always enter water with your feet first – your first descent into any body of water should be with your feet first.
  • Never dive or jump into shallow or unfamiliar water. Examine the water for submerged objects and ensure that it is at least 3-4 meters deep.
  • Inquire in the neighborhood about where people usually swim and whether it is safe.
  • When swimming in a river, dam, or lake, consider both safe entry and exit points.

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