THE Department of Water and Sanitation urges citizens to observe safety procedures and regulations in and around rivers, dams and oceans across the country. Due to the erratic climate change, scorching hot weather conditions are experienced in most parts of the country, resulting in extreme heat waves that push both young and old to seek shelter under trees, and dip in swimming pools to cool off.

Swimming is enjoyed during festive period, and it is a very relaxing activity in hot weather.

Apart from households and local community pools, swimming also happens at the water courses like dams, rivers and oceans. With everyone flocking to water areas, the danger around water activities also increases.

Most inland holiday makers flock to the seaside to relax and have fun at the beach after year-long fatigue. As a result, it will feel like having the freedom of a lifetime after spending most of the time hard at work pressed with quotas.

Visitors should at all-times take note of beach safety guidelines indicated on municipal notice boards, with lifeguards placed in considered areas to monitor and enforce beach safety procedures. There are flags erected in the sand near the water’s edge indicating areas that are marked safe for swimming. Swimmers are therefore encouraged to take heed of those flags and should swim within the marked areas as directed.

The festive mood must at all costs be enjoyed with a full sense of responsibility whilst having fun at the oceans. At certain beaches, a siren will go off in the event that a shark is spotted or when there are dangerously high waves. If you are in the water when this happens, it is important to quickly get out of the water for your safety and calmly assist those around you if possible.

Marcus Motshegwa,

Communication specialist

Water and Sanitation