With the Easter break coming up, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is urging all South Africans, especially religious figures and groups organizing events close to water areas, to exercise greater care and follow water safety guidelines to avoid accidents involving drownings.
Recent heavy rainfall across the country has caused water levels in rivers and dams to rise rapidly, creating hazardous conditions.
The Vaal and Bloemhof dams are particularly worrying as current water management strategies have been implemented to safeguard these infrastructures and minimize flooding risks.
Over Easter, numerous communities traditionally come together at natural water sites for spiritual and religious ceremonies like baptisms. Although the Department acknowledges the right to express one’s faith, ensuring public safety continues to be their top priority.
Entering fast-flowing or swollen rivers puts lives at serious risk, especially when the depth, strength of the current, and presence of underwater debris are unknown and unpredictable.
Overflowing rivers may appear calm on the surface but can conceal powerful undercurrents capable of sweeping people away in seconds. Even experienced swimmers can be caught off guard by the force of water, submerged objects, and slippery riverbanks.
The Department highly recommends that religious organizations and people find alternate, safer methods to carry out these rituals during this particularly risky time.