Equipment Outfitters

Once you have arrived at your destination, check out the surrounding area for anything that might constitute a danger to your child. This can be anything from a communal braai area where hot coals are still burning to a large nest of biting ants. A nearby pool full of happy children is irresistible to any toddler, who may simply wander off to see what’s going on. Other children who may not have smaller siblings can cause unintentional trauma, and accidents happen quickly. Small boys racing around on bicycles may not notice a child in their path until it’s too late. If you see a dangerous situation developing, shout loudly to attract their attention!

Children’s fear of the dark can be turned around with a few cheap torches, which they can use to shine into nooks and crannies as it gets dark. Many insects come out only at night, and are not as aggressive as during the day. (The exception is mosquitoes. If there are many of these about, cover liberally with an appropriate insect repellent.) For daytime fun, make sure you have buckets, spades and nets: small crustaceans are great fun in a bucket of water, although do be careful of the ones that can nip.

Most of South Africa’s resorts are close to rural areas, where there is the strong possibility of contact with wild animals. These do not have to be the big five. Monkeys and baboons are extremely agile and can move with alarming speed, which can frighten — if not harm — you or your child. Primates can be daring, especially those that have overcome their fear of humans. An encounter with an aggressive animal wrenching food out of his or her hands can be the cause of nightmares and fears for years to come. Even large — and harmless — insects such as locusts can give everyone a fright.

When it comes to mud and water, children will play happily for hours on end. You do not want to curtail this wonderful activity, so if there is deeper water nearby, make sure they have well-fitting and well-tried flotation devices that are life preservers as well. You still need to be with them all the time, but the better devices do allow a broader aquatic experience and make them feel more secure. And they’re great fun.

Rivers and estuaries can be dangerous places. Many of them carry water with a visibility close to zero, and anyone who cannot swim will find themselves in serious trouble very quickly. Struggling children do not produce much turbulence when under water, and if the current is strong there may be no sign of the victim’s whereabouts. The rule is, fortunately, very simple: never take your eyes off your children when they’re playing in or near water — not even for a second. Leave the book or magazine at home — the peace of mind you get from having your child safely in sight will more than make up for it.

The seaside can also be particularly treacherous, with waves and undercurrents coming as if from nowhere. No matter how benign conditions may seem and how many other people are around, do not let anyone in out of their depth, and be prepared to move quickly if you need to.

The same applies when walking or hiking in unfamiliar territory. Do not allow your children out of your sight. Few pathways are signposted as being potentially dangerous, but a step just slightly too much to one side can have unpleasant consequences. A short lecture before setting off may make the difference between safe and sorry. Do not make it sound like a threat, though — make a point of telling your children that it’s because you care about them!

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