Simon Majadibodu|Published
Free State police have recovered two bodies following drowning incidents in Qwaqwa and Clocolan, while the search continues for a 17-year-old boy who reportedly drowned in Lindley.
The police urged parents and guardians to warn children against swimming in rivers and dams, particularly during hot weather.
Free State police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said police in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District were concerned about the increasing risk of drowning incidents involving young people.
Two bodies recovered, search continues
“Recently, police divers retrieved the bodies of two people following drowning incidents in the district, including Qwaqwa and Clocolan,” Mophiring said.
He said police were also continuing the search for a 17-year-old boy who reportedly drowned in Lindley.
“The incidents serve as a painful reminder of the dangers associated with swimming in rivers and dams, particularly for children and young people who cannot swim or are unfamiliar with the depth and strength of the water currents,” Mophiring said.
Police were concerned that some young people underestimated these dangers and entered rivers and dams without understanding the risks.
“In some instances, children and young people visit rivers under the pretext of fishing but eventually enter the water to cool off because of the heat, placing their lives at risk,” he said.
Police urge parents to prioritise water safety
As the country enters the Safer Festive Season operations period, police have urged parents and guardians to take an active role in protecting children by supervising their activities, knowing their whereabouts and warning them against swimming in rivers, dams and other unsafe bodies of water.
“Parents and guardians are encouraged to educate children about water safety and ensure that they understand that even seemingly calm waters can be dangerous.
“Children should never swim in unfamiliar waters, and those who cannot swim should never enter rivers or dams.”
Communities urged to help prevent drownings
Mophiring said police had also appealed to community members to discourage dangerous swimming practices and report emergencies immediately so that rescue services could respond.
“The SAPS in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District calls on all parents, guardians and community members to work together to prevent further loss of life,” he said.
“A moment of cooling off in unsafe waters can have devastating consequences for families and communities.”
“Let us all prioritise the safety of our children and ensure that the Safer Festive Season remains a time of peace, joy and safety rather than tragedy,” Mophiring added.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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