Hartswater: Following the tragic drowning of a 13-year-old boy in the Vaalharts Main Canal, the Department of Water and Sanitation along with the Vaalharts Water User Association have issued a stark warning to local communities against swimming in the canal and other similar water bodies. The incident occurred in Hartswater, a small town in the Northern Cape, highlighting the dangers of recreational activities in these canals.

According to South African Government News Agency, the young boy, a resident of Bonita Park-an informal settlement adjacent to the canal-vanished underwater around 4pm on Tuesday while swimming. South African Police Service divers have been deployed since the incident, working tirelessly to recover the body. In response to the tragedy, the Vaalharts Water User Association has opened all head sluices along the canal to avoid any further accidents by ensuring the water flows freely without obstructions.

The department emphasized the peril these canals pose, especially during the hot sum
mer months when the temptation to cool off in the water increases. Despite ongoing maintenance, which ensures the canal runs at full capacity, the current speed of 1.3 meters per second and a volume of up to 100,000 cubic meters per hour make it extremely dangerous for swimming. The canal, stretching about 140 kilometers from the Vaal River at Warrenton to the Pudimoe Water Treatment Works, is a critical part of the Vaalharts Water Scheme, serving numerous communities.

Officials have placed “No Swimming” signs along the canal and regularly conduct public education on water safety. The Water User Association also provides lifesaving training to volunteers within the communities to assist in emergencies. Awareness campaigns target schoolchildren, teachers, and parents, reinforcing the dangers and promoting safe behavior near water bodies.

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seithlolo, is scheduled to visit the area to assess the situation further and engage with the community on Saturday.