Police in the North West province is urging community members to exercise extreme caution around dams that are filled to capacity, as well as overflowing rivers and flooded roads, following heavy rainfall, particularly in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, which borders the Northern Cape.
Since this morning, police drivers have been activated to separate incidents where motorists became trapped in their vehicles and individuals were swept into rivers due to strong currents. Fortunately, no life was lost.
The public is advised to take note of the following safety precautions:
Important safety tips when crossing or swimming in rivers, lakes or dams:
* Do not cross a road that is closed due to water that is overflowing the road service.
* Before entering the water, assess the strength of the current.
* If caught in a fast flowing river, travel feet first, this will absorb the head and body from serious injury.
* If you fall into water, and are unable to stand and reach the side, you should:
Stay calm.
Try not to swallow water.
Keep your head above the water by kicking as if you are cycling and by paddling with your hands at the same time.
When you swim in open water it is much harder than swimming in the still waters of a pool. This means you may tire faster and that can lead to trouble very quickly.
* When swimming in rivers or lakes, the murky water can make it difficult to find people who go under.
* If you swim in a place with a strong current, such as where two rivers meet, it can be easy to be pulled under and swept away.