Sloep Wes - Dec 2019 - Jan 2020

West Coast Summer Safety Tips
Enjoy a safe summer holiday by
following these easy steps:
1. Protect against sunburn and heat.
Stay hydrated. Drink enough water and fluids.
Always remember to regularly apply sunblock,
especially after swimming. Wear loose light
clothes and a sun hat. Never leave dogs and
children unattended in a car this could lead to
overheating. Remember, the sun is most
dangerous between 10am – 3pm.
2. Be safe around water
Anybody who can’t swim should not go into the
water alone, child or adult. Children should not
be allowed to play near water or unfenced
swimming pools unsupervised.
Beware of rip currents in the ocean, as well as
beaches where there are no lifeguards on duty.
Parents should learn CPR, as this can save a life.
No one should ever swim if they have
consumed alcohol. If heading out on a boat,
everyone aboard should be wearing a
well-fitted life jacket.
3. Stay buckled up, helmeted and padded
Ensure everybody travelling in the vehicle is
buckled up, including babies in their infant
seats.
When cycling, skateboarding or out on your
scooter/motorbike, always wear the necessary
protective gear.
4. Ensure your food and water is clean
Ensure that all food and water is clean and
fresh to avoid Gastro. Always remember to
wash your hands. If you do get infected, stay
well hydrated by drinking isotonic fluids like
Rehydrate salt.
5. Beware of snakes & scorpions
Summer season is snake season! Always be
vigilant. Don’t walk through thick bush areas;
always stay on paths or walkways. If you are
hiking, always wear closed shoes. If you are bit,
do nothing but keep the person calm and get to
your nearest hospital immediately for
treatment.
6. Know when a bite or sting is serious
Bees are the main culprits when it comes to an
allergic reaction from a sting. If any swelling,
difficulty breathing or any other severe reaction
occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Never remove bee stings with your fingers, use
the blunt side of a knife or a credit card to
scrape it out ensuring that the poison sack is
removed with the sting.
If bitten by a spider and it causes a painful red
area filled with fluid, or a red or purple ring
forms around the bite area, head directly to a
doctor. With a tick bite, watch out for any signs
of tick bite fever which include headache,
body pains, a spotty rash and a wound that
starts forming at the side of the bite.
If you experience any unusual reaction,
regardless the bite, like dizziness, vomiting,
slurred speech ext., head directly to casualty for
treatment.
7. Stay safe from human predators
Always know the whereabouts of your children,
never let them wonder off alone! Teach them to
never give out any personal information, and
never to speak to, go with, or accept anything
from someone their parents haven’t approved
as safe.
8. Emergency numbers
In the West Coast area you can contact the
provincial or private hospitals in Vredenburg. If
you require an ambulance you can dial the
following numbers: Atlantic Medical Response
022 772 2377, SA Paramedics 021 551 299 or
Metro Emergency Services 10177 or 112 if
calling from a mobile phone.