NSRI, Lifesaving SA urge public to prioritise water safety

Durban — The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is appealing to the public to swim at beaches protected by lifeguards after responding to multiple incidents around the coastline and inland.

NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the NSRI, lifeguards, police and the emergency services responded to multiple rescue operations over the past weeks, including an increase in drowning accidents around the coastline and on inland waters.

“NSRI, lifeguards, police and the emergency services are appealing to the public to swim at beaches protected by lifeguards. Always have safety top of mind in and around coastal waters, on inland waters – rivers, lakes and dams, and your swimming pool at home should be cloaked in preventative safety measures,” Lambinon said.

“We appeal to parents and carers to ensure children have responsible and sober adult supervision in and around water.

“(The) NSRI are appealing to bathers to refrain from swimming under the influence of alcohol,” Lambinon continued.

“(The) NSRI are appealing to boaters, paddlers and sailors to download and always use the NSRI SafeTrx free smartphone application and to have safety equipment at the ready always while out on your craft on the water.”

Lambinon said the NSRI Pink Rescue Buoys have again stepped in, playing a critical role in aiding in bystander rescue operations, most recently at Kleinmond and Port Alfred.

He said that since the NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy program was introduced in 2017, to their knowledge, 199 lives have been saved in successful bystander Good Samaritan rescues, using NSRI Pink Rescue Buoys, on South African waters. No harm has come to any of the Good Samaritans who used the pink buoys in these rescues.

“NSRI are appealing to coastal hikers to be well prepared and to always be cautious of hiking trails that can be deceptive in distance and difficult terrain. At high tide, coastal hiking trails can be obstructed,” Lambinon said.

“We are also asking coastal shoreline anglers to be aware of the incoming high tide and never turn your back on the sea while fishing from the shoreline. Have safety top of mind.”

Lambinon said the NSRI commends the assistance of the emergency services, police, law enforcement, municipal authorities, associated lifesaving services and the joint operations cooperation between all services that contribute to preventing emergencies and attending to emergencies.

The NSRI also commended the media for its efforts, tirelessly broadcasting and publishing the NSRI’s safety alerts.

“You can be immensely proud of your contribution that saves lives,” Lambinon said.

The public was also commended for their help during unfolding emergency operations.

Meanwhile, Lifesaving SA believes that spreading awareness about water safety and assisting others can make water activities safer and just as enjoyable.

Lifesaving SA believes that by working together to spread awareness about the importance of water safety and helping others around water, water activities can be safer and just as much fun.

Lifesaving SA water safety tips for the holiday season:

When visiting the beach:

• Only swim at recognised beaches and always stay between the red and yellow flags.
• Follow lifeguards’ instructions; they’re easy to spot in their red and yellow uniforms.
• Supervise children near water at all times and ensure they inform you before approaching it.
• Check notice boards for tide and sea condition updates from lifeguards.
• Ask lifeguards about sea conditions if unsure.
• Never swim alone.
• Mind your feet in the water.
• Avoid swimming in river mouths, dirty water, or areas with bluebottles.
• Don’t swim right after eating or while eating.
• Keep glass away from swimming areas.
• Never dunk others underwater.
• Alcohol and swimming don’t mix—stay sober in the water.
• Only enter water if you’re a strong swimmer and know it’s safe.
• Protect yourself from sunburn with hats, sunscreen, and reapply throughout the day.
• Avoid being in the sun during peak hours.
• Always know where to find help if needed.
• If in trouble, don’t panic—raise one arm vertically for assistance.
• If you witness a drowning, call for help immediately.

Lifesaving SA said keeping an eye on children and having proper pool fencing are the best ways to prevent accidents.

What pool owners should check:

Pool gates:

• Opens outward from the pool.
• Closes and latches on its own.
• Latch is at least 1.5m off the ground.

Pool fence:

• Sturdy and in good shape.
• At least 1.2m tall.
• No gaps bigger than 100mm, including at the base.
• Remove anything near the fence that could be used to climb over it.

Be ready for emergencies:

• Learn or refresh your CPR and first aid skills—enrol in a first aid or CPR course.
• Ensure your first aid kit is stocked.
• Staying safe around dams and rivers

When swimming:

• Always supervise children.
• Stay far from areas where boats or other crafts are active.
• Avoid swimming during electrical storms.
• Watch for strong currents and undertows in rivers.
• Never swim alone or dive into muddy water.

Protect yourself from the sun:

• You can’t see or feel UV rays and they’re strong even on cool or cloudy days.
• Don’t wait for hot, sunny weather to protect yourself.
• Cover with sunscreen, a hat and sun-safe clothing.

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