PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A young girl's body was found by police divers in the Salt River near Nature's Valley yesterday morning, Thursday 22 December.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, it is alleged that the girl, nine years-old, and her friends went to swim in the river on Wednesday 21 December when she disappeared.
"Her mother was later informed who alerted the police. The team commenced with a search and rescue operation in the morning of 22 December, and located the body," he said.
"An inquest docket was opened. Plettenberg Bay Detectives are probing this matter." Spies also said that it was unclear at this stage what exactly the cause of the girl's death was.
He also urged the public to be cautious and vigilant near water this festive season, issuing a set of safety tips for water users.
"Water safety is of utmost importance and it is advised that the following safety tips be followed when people embark on outings to rivers, beaches, dams and swimming pools:
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and never make a child responsible for another child – not even for five minutes. Teach children to always ask permission to go near water;
• Check the weather and the tides before you leave home – if the sea is too rough, you could be swept away;
• Only enter where the waves are straight and gentle;
• Never swim while you are intoxicated. Alcohol impairs judgement and unnecessary risks are taken. An intoxicated swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident or drowning;
• Check with the lifeguards on duty what the surf conditions are before entering the sea;
• Only swim in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards;
• If the lifeguards give you directions or instructions from the beach, obey them;
• Avoid swimming immediately after a big meal, as there is a danger of having cramps;
• Do not dive into shallow seawater;
• Do not swim in river mouths, in dirty water, very early in the mornings, early evenings or after it had rained as shark activity increases in these conditions. Also do not swim when bluebottles are present as they are poisonous;
• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing drowning or permanent disability," Spies concluded.
'We bring you the latest Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route news'
