10 missing or dead in 1 week, after water incidents

Teenagers between 14 and 16 years of age make up a large number of those who are missing or have died in water-related incidents last week.

This is according to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), which confirmed that at least ten people have drowned or have been reported missing in bodies of water across South Africa between 25 January and 1 February.

This is because rescue teams responded to more than 30 incidents nationwide during that time frame.

The incidents were recorded across KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.

“This has been an extremely difficult week… Each of these tragedies is a stark reminder that water activities are never without risk,” said NSRI Chief Operating Officer, Brett Ayres.

The NSRI noted a recurring pattern in these incidents, including swimming at unguarded beaches, failure to recognise rip currents and bystanders getting into trouble while attempting rescues, said Andrew Ingram, NSRI Communications Manager, in a statement.

Regarding rip currents, Ingram said they are difficult to spot and very dangerous, “especially when combined with a spring tide, which we experienced last week”.

“Rip currents are fast, narrow channels of water that pull swimmers away from the shore,” said Ingram.

At the same time, incidents recorded this week were not limited to the ocean, highlighting the danger in inland waters as well.

Two fatal drownings occurred in dams, including one on Table Mountain and another at Kanana Dam near Rustenburg.

“The two drownings in dams are a painful reminder that inland water can be just as hazardous, even when it appears shallow and calm,” said Ingram.

Meanwhile, 39 people were rescued last week, including a mass rescue of nine people at Kleinmond Main Beach.

With summer still in full swing, the NSRI has reminded the public that safety is everyone’s responsibility and urged them to heed safety tips.

“We’re urging the public to stay vigilant. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty. Swimming after drinking alcohol puts your life at significant risk. Never attempt a rescue without flotation. And remember, rivers and dams can be just as dangerous as the sea,” said Ingram.