Bolesławiec police officers appeal to people relaxing near the water to exercise caution. The officers say: – An exceptionally warm June resulted in a large number of victims. From the beginning of June to 10 July, as many as 129 drownings were recorded across the country.
What is more, this also concerns our area: at the end of June, a 48-year-old resident of 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 causes impaired senses, balance and orientation
- underestimating the danger 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, that is, where there is a lifeguard. Swimming in places where bathing is prohibited is extremely reckless. Signs and boards indicate such places. At supervised bathing areas, there are also two types of flags: white and red. If a white flag is displayed, bathing is permitted. A red flag means that bathing is prohibited in that area. You must also not swim on sections of shipping routes or near water facilities and structures
- read and always follow the regulations 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 a storm, fog or when strong gusts of wind are blowing
- do not jump into the water when overheated. Before entering the water, splash it on your chest, neck and head to avoid thermal shock
- do not swim in places with abundant 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 end in death or disability. Headfirst dives are absolutely prohibited in such places
- do not play at dunking other people using the water, or pushing them into the water from piers or mattresses
- remember that an inflatable mattress is not intended for going into deep water, nor is an inflatable ring
- never swim after consuming alcohol. Alcohol must also not be combined with water sports
- when bathing at designated 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, notify the appropriate services and other people
- do not swim on an empty stomach – increased metabolism weakens your body
- do not swim immediately after a meal either – 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, be accompanied by a boat
- strenuous physical activity is not recommended after bathing. Do not stay in the water too long or enter it again after too short a break
- intense exercise increases hunger, so after finishing swimming you should eat something. Children should обязательно eat a light meal
- do not swim too far from the shore after dark. Swimming after sunset is dangerous
- you should get out of the water quickly when you feel tired or have suffered a muscle cramp.
What are the emergency numbers?
WOPR – Voluntary 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!