By OBAKENG MAJE
The family of Kodisang in Rooiwal village near Taung was left dejected after the drowning of their son, Thabang Kodisang. According to information, Kodisang (15) and his peers were swimming at Modisa Lodge on Saturday afternoon when the atrocity happened.
The father of the deceased, Thabiso “The Bull” Keameditse said: “We are crestfallen about what has happened. Thabang was still young and very bright, so as a family we are sad about the whole incident.
“We will be meeting with the lodge management to map the way forward. Thabang had a very bright future ahead of him. Funeral preparations are underway and we highly appreciate unwavering support we have received from friends as the bereaved family,” Keameditse said.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani urged people to apply cautious measures when swimming. Funani said supervision is the very best way to help prevent kids from getting injured.
“I can confirm that we are investigating a case of inquest after a boy drowned while swimming with other kids on Saturday afternoon,” she said.
According to the www.arrivealive.co.za website, drowning ranked second as the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children. It says children less than a year old are most likely to drown in bathtubs, buckets, or toilets.
“Children need to be monitored at all times no matter the size of the pool or location where they encounter water. It is up to the parents to do everything possible not only to exercise parental supervision.
“Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid. Drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, and it does not only occur during times of flooding or rough seas but in our swimming pools,” said the website.
It added that anyone can have a water-related accident and be at risk of drowning— even children who know how to swim. It says it is not only small children who are at risk, but males are much more likely to become victims of drowning.
“Risk-taking, overconfidence in swimming ability, and alcohol use may play a significant role in water deaths by drowning. Your health and the risk of drowning and the swimmer should be aware of how his body reacts to the temperature of the water. When the body gets cold blood shunts to the core, weakening arms and legs, which then lose the strength of power.
“A swimmer, who feels tired or bloated should rather rest and stay out of the water. We need to supervise as actively as possible. Parents should avoid distractions when children are near water and give them all of their attention. Even strong swimmers need adult supervision. Insist on life jackets for children who can’t swim.”
The Guardian 