Bolesławiec police officers are appealing to people relaxing near the water to exercise caution. In June 2019 alone, as many as 113 people drowned across the country, and six people drowned during the first two days of July.
Moreover, this also concerns our local area: last weekend a 48-year-old resident of the Nowogrodziec municipality drowned in Gierałtów.
What are the most common causes of drowning?
- lack of swimming skills
- recklessness, overestimating one's strength and swimming abilities
- swimming while intoxicated. Alcohol impairs the senses, balance and orientation
- underestimating the dangers in the water
- swimming in prohibited areas
- diving headfirst into the water in an unfamiliar place.
What are the rules for safe swimming?
- swim only in supervised areas, where a lifeguard is present. Swimming in places where it is prohibited is extremely reckless. Signs and notice boards indicate such locations. Supervised bathing areas also have two types of flags: white and red. When a white flag is displayed, swimming is permitted. A red flag means that swimming is prohibited in that location. You must also not swim in sections of waterways used for navigation or near water facilities and structures
- read and always follow the rules of the bathing area where you are staying. Follow the lifeguard's instructions and recommendations
- do not swim in water below 14 degrees
- do not swim during storms or fog, or when there are strong gusts of wind
- do not jump into the water while overheated. Before entering the water, splash it onto your chest, neck and head to avoid thermal shock
- do not swim in places with large amounts of aquatic vegetation or where you know there are whirlpools or cold currents. Swim in places you know well
- do not jump into the water in unfamiliar places. This may result in death or disability. Headfirst dives are absolutely prohibited in such places
- do not play at submerging other people using the water, or push them into the water from piers or mattresses
- remember that an inflatable mattress is not intended for going into deep water, and neither is an inflatable ring
- never swim after consuming alcohol. Alcohol must not be combined with water sports either
- when swimming at bathing areas, pay attention to the people around you. Someone may need your help. If you are able to help, do so, but within the limits of your abilities. If you do not feel capable of helping, notify the appropriate services and other people
- do not start swimming on an empty stomach – increased metabolism weakens your body
- also do not swim immediately after a meal – cold water can cause a painful stomach cramp, which may have very serious consequences
- do not overestimate your swimming abilities. If you want to take a longer swimming route, have a boat accompany and safeguard you
- intense physical exertion is not advisable after swimming. Do not stay in the water too long, nor re-enter it after too short a break
- intense exertion increases appetite, so you should eat something after swimming. Children should обязательно eat a light meal
- do not swim too far from shore after dark. Swimming after sunset is dangerous
- you should leave the water quickly when you feel tired or have suffered a muscle cramp.
What are the emergency numbers?
WOPR – Volunteer Water Rescue Service:
- for mobile phones: 601 100 100
- for landline phones: 0 601 100 100
- pan-European emergency number: 112.
Police: – Let us remember that safe swimming means the health and lives of ourselves and our loved ones. And that it often depends on us!