The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is urging the public to prioritise water safety, citing an uptick in rescue incidents along South Africa's coastline. With the third-term school holidays underway and warmer weather drawing more people to beaches and waterways, the NSRI is reminding the public to stay vigilant. The institute has reported an increase in rescue incidents and is advising the public to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
NSRI spokesperson Andrew Ingram has emphasised the importance of responsible behaviour when engaging in water activities. He advises against consuming alcohol before swimming or boating and urges bathers to swim only at beaches where lifeguards are on duty. Additionally, Ingram stresses the importance of never swimming alone and encourages beachgoers to learn how to identify and escape rip currents.
Ingram has provided guidance on how to escape rip currents, stating that if caught in one, individuals should not panic and should not fight it. Instead, they should float, raise an arm, and swim parallel to the beach until they are clear, and then let the waves bring them in. This advice aims to educate the public on the necessary steps to take in case of an emergency.
The NSRI is also emphasising the importance of knowing emergency contact numbers before heading to the beach or onto the water. Ingram advises the public to save two numbers on their phone: 112, the national emergency number, and the NSRI's Emergency Operations Centre, 087094 9774. This will enable individuals to quickly contact emergency services in case of an emergency.
Ingram has also highlighted the importance of supervising children when they are near water. He advises parents and guardians to keep children within an arm's reach, as drowning can often be silent and a child in trouble may not always splash or call out for help. This serves as a reminder to the public to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents.
The NSRI's call for safety prioritisation comes as the country enters the summer months, with warmer weather expected to draw more people to beaches and waterways. The institute is working to educate the public on the importance of water safety and is urging individuals to take responsibility for their own safety.
In summary, the NSRI is urging the public to prioritise water safety by taking necessary precautions, such as swimming at lifeguarded beaches, avoiding alcohol before swimming or boating, and knowing emergency contact numbers. By following these guidelines, individuals can help prevent accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Key points
- The NSRI has reported an uptick in rescue incidents along South Africa's coastline and is urging the public to prioritise water safety.
- The institute advises the public to swim only at beaches where lifeguards are on duty and to never swim alone.
- The NSRI emphasises the importance of knowing emergency contact numbers, including 112 and the NSRI's Emergency Operations Centre, 087094 9774.
