This summer, almost everyday firefighters go to the water to rescue reckless holidaymakers and, unfortunately, in many cases, to find and bring dead people to shore. This year, more than 60 dead persons have been lifted from the water bodies, 24 of them in June.
Tragedies by the water are the most commonly occurring in for three reasons:
1. swimming under the influence of alcohol, when a person has impaired consciousness and reckless risk, at the same time has a reduced ability to coordinate and react, for example, to understand how far he has swum;
2. people's insecurity, such as jumping in unchecked places, trying to prove their ability to swim further than others, and not being aware of and not assessing the potential risks;
3. careless handling and recklessness in boating, as a result of which the craft overturns, as well as non-use or even absence of life jackets on the craft.
The State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) reminds of several safety rules so that recreation by the water does not turn into a tragedy!
Selection of bathing water
If you can choose an official bathing site.
If there is no official bathing area, choose one which has:
- flat shore and solid foundation;
- lots of holidaymakers and well known;
- slow stream or standing water;
- there are no hatches and it is not overgrown.
When resting and swimming in a water body:
- In the water, wade slowly, feeling the foundation.
- It is prohibited to jump from bridges or other promotions, such as springboards, bridges, walkways or high coasts on the head or feet, because of the potential for spinal injuries which, in many cases, create a disability or end up with death.
- If you are overheated in the sun, you must walk in the water slowly to avoid a rapid change in body temperature that can cause convulsions or heart problems.
- Don't go swimming if you are under the influence of alcohol or narcotics! Also deter your tipsy friends or relatives from going into the water.
- Don't go swimming alone, because then there may be no other people able to help in extreme weather. If you go alone, tell the others on the shore about how long and far you have planned to swim, and whether you intend to dive under the water.
- Don't swim behind buoys that limit bathing.
- When blowing away at sea, it is not recommended to be on an inflatable mattress because the wind and the current can quickly sink deeper into the sea.
Discover at a body of water with children:
- Before bathing, parents must check the bathing bed – whether it is a bellow or smoky, or not any sharp objects can be found.
- The children must be looked after continuously, including those who can swim well, because the child can overestimate his swimming ability, swim too far or suddenly get scared, and therefore not be able to get out of the water alone.
- Children should be allowed to play, splash and swim as far as an adult can see well, and if needed, they can quickly rush to help. Most probably if an adult is in the water between shore and depth.
- Push pellets, bombs, hand rings are only games, they do not protect from drowning.
For fans of Water Sports:
- Do any of the water sports or watch a boat, cutter or other watercraft, we recommend putting on a lifeboat.
- For a child, the life vest is mandatory! In addition, the vest must be properly worn and fastened.
- Every boat must stay in its seating position, not stand up and bend over the edge of the boat, so as not to fall outside.
- Don't deal with water sports without light, during the storm or at night!
- See the safety rules for your sport.
- Move in parallel to and near the coast when pushing or drifting to sea.
If you notice a person drowning in the water, you should carefully assess your physical fitness and skills so as not to put your life at risk. Before rushing to help the drowning party, you have to call 112 and make a statement about what is happening, or you have to ask someone to do it. It is best to help the drowning off the coast by abandoning an object such as a branch, a stripe, empty plastic bottles, inflatable toys, etc. which will allow him to cling to it and hang over the water.
Cleaning on water and objective assessment of their capabilities is a prerequisite for safe and successful summer!
Prepared by: VUGD Prevention and Public Information Division