Safe holidays are happy holidays. Avoid the South African holiday hazards and you are set for great times!

Typical South African holidays

Most South Africans opt for a few typical holiday destinations when set free of their corporate cages. They either head for the hills, drive down to the coast or any other “water hole” or retreat to the bush and other natural habitats.

In most cases the journey (by car) down to their holiday destination is the most dangerous hazard of all. There are, however, some other typical holiday hazards associated with the different recreational activities on offer that also need to be avoided to ensure a happy holiday.

Typical South African holiday hazards

Elements of a typical South African holiday that may pose some dangers include the weather and climate, water-related accidents, dangerous water and land animals, fires and crime.
Avoiding these hazards is relatively easy if you are informed, alert and prepared:

    • Avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke and excessive sun burn by staying out of the hot midday sun (10 am to 3 pm), applying sun protection cream (SPF 30), wearing sun glasses, a hat or cap and covering up exposed flesh. This is especially important for young children and babies.
    • Hot and humid climates can also cause dehydration and drinking enough fluids, especially water, should always be a priority.
    • Drowning is a great hazard and the proper safety gear (eg on boats) and safety precautions when swimming need to be faithfully adhered to. Never swim alone, when under the influence of alcohol or after a heavy meal. Keep a close watch over your children.
    • Only swim in safe locations such as beaches with life guards and shark protection nets. If you find yourself in trouble, tread water and hold one arm in the air to alert the life guards.
    • Beware of changing ocean conditions and rip currents. If caught in a rip current, stay calm and go with the flow until you are washed up on shore.
    • Never dive into water without first making sure it is deep enough and free of jutting rocks.
    • Avoid encounters with sharks by never swimming in murky water or at dawn or dusk and staying out of the water during the annual marine run. Bluebottles and jelly fish are harder to spot and can inflict painful stings that sometimes cause allergic reactions and breathing problems. Remove stingers by pouring vinegar over them and taking some antihistamine medication.
    • Don’t swim in rivers and dams. At present, about two thirds of our national water resources are contaminated with toxic blue-green algae. The possibility of becoming infected with bilharzia is also very high.
    • Dangerous animals to avoid in these waters include crocodiles and hippos. Interestingly enough, more tourists are killed by hippos than any other animal in Africa. If, by accident you do come face to face with a hippo; back away, calmly and slowly.
    • Wild animals in nature reserves must be treated with caution and respect. Don’t ever approach a wild animal with young ones or while they are eating. Keep your distance and stay in your car. If caught in an unexpected encounter with a wild animal in the open, stay calm, stay still or move away very slowly but do not run!
    • Wear appropriate clothing, shoes and socks when climbing mountains or hiking in the bush. You may accidentally tread on a snake or scorpion and not live to tell the tale. Always have snake bite antidote, antihistamine and insect repellent with you if this is your recreational activity of choice.
    • Statistics show that one in three fire deaths occur during November, December and January. Some of the leading causes are unattended open fires and braais, candles and cooking, Christmas lights and trees catching fire and careless smoking. Young children should not be allowed to play in the vicinity of an open fire or hot braai. Take special care if you use agents to light a fire.
    • Unfortunately, crime is rampant in South Africa, so keep an eye on your belongings.

 

Sources

Holiday fire safety. Retrieved from: http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/OfficeFireMarshal/FireSafetyPublicEducation/HolidaySafety/HolidayFireSafetyMediaQsand.html
Lombard, L. SA’s recreational dams affected by toxic algae. Retrieved from: http://traveller24.news24.com/News/Alerts/sas-recreational-dams-affected-by-toxic-algae-20151117
Safety on South African beaches. Retrieved from: http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-safety-on-south-african-beaches