Given recent drownings, should schools be taking pupils on water excursions?

Two boys aged 13 and 16, tragically lost their lives in the Hennops River on Monday afternoon while participating in water activities while on a trip with Daveyton Skills School.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) divers recovered their bodies, and paramedics pronounced them deceased at the scene.

Sadly, this incident echoes a similar tragedy in January involving Latoya Temilton, a Grade 7 pupil from Laerskool Queenswood, who drowned during a leadership camp at the Wag ‘n Bietjie Resort in Witkoppen.

Investigations into Latoya's death revealed inadequate supervision and safety measures at the campsite, despite her inability to swim.

These incidents have prompted questions about the safety protocols and supervision standards for school excursions involving water activities.

While extending condolences to the affected families, Sewduth emphasises that such incidents are entirely preventable.

He advocates for the presence of safety officers and lifeguards during any activities near water bodies.

Recognising the dynamic nature of water environments, he underscores the importance of skilled and qualified safety personnel conducting on-site risk assessments to determine the safest areas for individuals, including children, to enter.

He stresses that while flotation devices can be beneficial, they should not be relied upon as a guarantee of safety.

Sewduth maintains that the solution does not involve halting school excursions of this nature but rather implementing appropriate preventive measures and knowledge.