WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY:

• In an emergency, the first priority is to get the victim out of the     water. 
• Make sure it is safe to enter the water. Do not become a victim yourself. If the victim is struggling, give him or her something to hold on to, such as a branch or a floatation device. Remember that someone who is panicking can drag the person trying to help into danger too.
• Handle the victim with care to avoid aggravating a potential neck or back injury. Many people are injured while diving headfirst into the water without having checked the depth of the water.
• If you are with other people, have someone call emergency medical services for help. Memorize the number of emergency medical services in your area, save it on your cell phone and keep it written down next to your landline telephone. You can contact Netcare 911 on 082 911 from anywhere in the country. 
• However, give the dispatcher an accurate location of the scene as well as a contact number. Do not hang up.
• A basic course in first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can make a dramatic difference in an emergency if it is done correctly and timeously.

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