Lower Silesian police officers carry out preventive activities every day in the vicinity of all kinds of bodies of water. They check the signage of places where swimming is prohibited, as well as the behaviour of people enjoying supervised bathing areas. However, as happened last weekend, these activities sometimes involve searching for people who, as a result of various circumstances, have failed to reach the shore. Such operations do not always end happily. Let us remember that water is an element capable of taking us by surprise.
The most common causes of drowning are:
- Lack of swimming skills;
- Recklessness, overestimating one’s strength and swimming abilities;
- Swimming while intoxicated. Alcohol causes impaired senses, balance and orientation;
- Underestimating the dangers in the water;
- Swimming in prohibited areas;
- Diving headfirst into the water in an unfamiliar place.
Rules for safe swimming:
- Swim only in supervised areas, where a lifeguard is present. Swimming in places where bathing is prohibited is extremely reckless. Signs and boards indicate such places. Supervised bathing areas also have two types of flags: white and red. If a white flag is displayed, swimming is permitted. A red flag means that swimming is prohibited in that location. You must also not swim along sections of shipping routes or near water equipment 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 with a temperature below 14 degrees.
- Do not swim during a storm or fog, or when strong gusts of wind are blowing.
- 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 a lot of algae 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 can result in death or disability. Headfirst diving is absolutely prohibited in such places.
- 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 swimming areas, pay attention to the people around you. It may turn out that someone needs 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 emergency services and other people.
- Do not start swimming 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 go on a longer swim, have a boat accompany you for safety.
- Heavy physical exertion is not advisable after swimming. Do not stay in the water too long or enter it again after too short a break.
- Intense exertion increases appetite, 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.
- Leave the water quickly if you feel tired or experience a muscle cramp.
Remember the important telephone numbers by the water:
112 – GENERAL EMERGENCY NUMBER
601 100 100 – WOPR
Only by following basic rules can we make our recreation by the water safe and ensure that it ends happily. Let us remember that safe swimming depends primarily on us!
Let us do everything we can so that these holidays leave us with only pleasant memories.