Amid several drowning and non-fatal drowning incidents around the coastline this past week, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is appealing to the public to remain cautious when in water.
According to the NSRI coastal bathers should only swim at beaches protected by lifeguards and swim in between the lifeguards safe swimming zone flags posted by the lifeguards on the beach.
“Lifeguards regularly move these flags when they detect rip currents forming and we are appealing to the public to obey the lifeguards’ instructions to only swim in between their flags. Families visiting the beach should approach the lifeguards if they are separated from family members or if they need assistance,” says NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon.
The NSRI is appealing to fishermen, coastline anglers, beach bathers and coastline hikers to take heed of the tail end of the full moon spring tide. The new moon spring tide peaks on 1 February.
“We are appealing to the public to be aware of the higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides preceding and following after the spring tides peak day and be cautious around the coastline.
“We are appealing to parents to make sure that there is a designated responsible person watching over children in and around coastal and inland waters and at swimming pools,” Lambinon says.
The NSRI has developed a safety monitor ID tag to be worn by the responsible person that is overseeing children while they are swimming.
For information on the safety monitor ID tag visit www.nsri.org.za.
The NSRI says that if you are caught in a rip current don’t panic, stay afloat using the air in your lungs for natural buoyancy and tread water, moving your arms and legs in circular movements to keep your head above water.
“Go with the rip current, do not try to swim against the current. Call out for help. At your first opportunity swim across the beachfront until you are free from the rip current and then use the incoming waves to get to the beach,” Lambinon says.
All water emergency response services, NSRI, lifeguards, ambulance, fire and rescue services, the SA Police and local law enforcement agencies are dedicated to ensuring the public are safe in and around water.
To report a water emergency call 112 from your cellphone or call 087 094 9774.
Be safety conscious in and around all water, inland, coastal and swimming pools.
“The mission of the NSRI, lifeguards, ambulance, fire and rescue services, SA Police and local law enforcement agencies is focused on reducing drowning accidents around the coastline, on inland waters and at swimming pools,” Lambinon says.
