The State Disaster Management Authority has issued safety tips for prevention of drowning incidents during the pre-monsoon and monsoon season in rivers, beaches, nallas, dams, seasonal waterfalls and lakes. The general public are requested to adhere to the following safety tips, while visiting the seasonal waterfalls and other water bodies, so that drowning incidents can be prevented and precious lives saved.
The Do’s include- inspect the water body properly, before swimming; always enter the water slowly, with feet first; always swim parallel to the shore and not away from it; avoid consumption of alcohol during the water activities; pay attention to the warning signs and rules posted near waterfalls; swim in designated swim areas; enter the water, where adequate supervision and rescue cover is available; be aware of the underwater hazards/know the risk of natural waters; elders should keep a constant visual contact, with children when they are swimming; a responsible adult should always be nearby, who knows how to swim; keep a rope, life jacket, life buoy or improvised floatation device, like car-tube, available for rescue purposes; learn first aid, you might save someone’s life; tourists should strictly adhere to the safety measures while venturing into any water related activity.
The Don’ts include – don’t venture into the water, unless one know swimming; never swim alone, especially if you are not an experienced swimmer; don’t drive into the water or push someone, into the water; never jump from higher levels into the flowing stream, water fall, river or dam; never climb on or around water fall; don’t swim, if you have any ailments; don’t enter fast flowing water; never swim under bridges, dams or water bodies that are under construction; never play in the stream or river above a waterfall; don’t attempt to take photos/videos on the edge of waterfall, river or dam; don’t exhaust yourself while swimming, as it can lead to drowning; don’t swim at confluence of two rivers or streams, as the current may be faster, with dangerous under-currents. Which is difficult, even for experienced swimmers; don’t swim during thunderstorms and lightning.