WATERWISE VISITS KZN SCHOOLS:

WATERWISE VISITS A.I.KAJEE IN MOOI RIVER, KZN:Annie Waterhouse, our volunteer water safety Instructor in the KZN midlands, had visited this school previously and taught the Foundation Phase but now wanted to teach the CPR lesson with the Grade 6 class.This is what she had to say: I was pleased to see that the posters on PLAN and HHH were on display in all the classrooms where I had given the previous lessons.I introduced the concept of careful planning when swimming in the river or the ocean and how to prevent a disaster before it occurs using the PLAN strategy. If a disaster should occur the learners were guided on how to proceed using HAZARD, HELLO and HELP (HHH) and what to do while waiting for help from the emergency services.Each learner had to find their own pulse using their forefingers on their necks (carotid pulse). I also emphasised the importance of NOT doing CPR on anyone who did have a pulse!!! The learners were surprised to learn that the count of ‘pumps’ should be 30 and that they should continue until help arrived. I emphasised the linked fingers and the use of the flat ‘heel’ of the hand on the correct spot on the breastbone to perform CPR. The learners were surprised to find it much harder to do than they had expected but most found the correct position and were confident that they could use this new skill in an emergency situation.I followed up the lesson with worksheets which extended the lesson into other areas of the curriculum.WATERWISE VISITS QHAMUKILE PRIMARY SCHOOL MPOPHOMENI KZN:This is a huge school in Mpophomeni, with classes of at least 50 learners in each class with three or four classes per grade. In order to teach all Grade Three classes we assembled outside in the early morning sunshine.The head of Grade Three and three teachers remained with me to translate and keep order. In fact, the kids were interested and responsive and answered questions and prompts (albeit in isiZulu) and joined in all the activities with enthusiasm.The PLAN strategy was translated into isiZulu and the learners left with an understanding of the meaning of the word in English. The mantra of keeping oneself safe before attempting to rescue a friend needed much repetition and reinforcing. H-H-H was explained and the importance of the order (HAZARDS, HELLO, HELP) of reacting in an emergency was emphasised. They had fun learning the Emergency number 10177. Learning the emergency telephone number 10177