drowning

The bodies of two drowning victims have been found. Image: IPSS Medical Rescue

UPDATE: Bodies of two drowning victims recovered

The bodies of two drowning victims, one 16-year-old and the other 18- years-old, were recovered from the Umkomaas, and Tugela Rivers

drowning

The bodies of two drowning victims have been found. Image: IPSS Medical Rescue

Emergency services were called to the scene of two separate drowning incidents on Sunday, 22 January, one in the Umkomaas river and the Tugela River.

The searches were called off due to fading light and the search continued this morning, 23 January.

ALSO READ: Emergency services respond to two drownings in KwaZulu-Natal

Bodies of drowning victims recovered

IPSS Medical Search and Rescue, and South African Police Service (SAPS) units found the 16-year-old in the Unkomaas River.

An 18-year-old who had been missing was found in the Tugela River.

ALSO READ: Two small children AIRLIFTED after near-drowning in Randburg

SAFETY TIPS AROUND WATER

With the prevalence of drowning incidents, Arrive Alive gives the following swimming safety tips.

  • Active supervision – When infants or toddlers are in or near water, an adult should be within arm’s reach to provide active supervision.
  • When children are near water, parents should avoid distractions and give them their undivided attention!
  • Even experienced swimmers require adult supervision. Children who are unable to swim should be provided with life jackets.
  • Parents should not only supervise but also advise their children about pool safety.
  • Running on slick surfaces is dangerous to everyone around. Someone could fall into the pool, accidentally push a smaller child into the water, or slip on the slick pool deck, injuring themselves.
  • Avoid drains, filters, and water intakes. Tangled hair or clothing can become entangled in these structures, potentially trapping a child underwater.
  • Remove pool toys – do not leave pool toys in the water. While attempting to retrieve a toy, a child may fall into the water.

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