With seven fatal drowning incidents recorded in the past three weeks, the National Sea Rescue Institute is urging beachgoers to heed holiday water safety tips.

As with every festive season, the NSRI anticipates an influx of visitors to local beaches soon, especially with the summer school holiday having started this week.

As such, the Institute is stressing the importance of responsible behaviour in and around water, noting a marked rise in emergency responses at beaches, rivers, dams and swimming pools in late November to early December.

Andrew Ingram, the NSRI Communications Manager, emphasised the lifesaving role of community involvement.

“Public vigilance, lifeguard services, and community collaboration continue to save lives every day.”

According to the NSRI, its volunteers have responded to 13 drownings in progress in the past three weeks, seven of which were fatal. Ingram said that over the same period, a combined effort by NSRI volunteers, lifeguards and members of the public saved 25 lives, while five individuals were rescued using Pink Rescue Buoys.

“Pink Rescue Buoys have now been used in 230 rescues that we know of, with the most recent rescue where a Pink Buoy was used being for a father and his daughter at Brenton-On-Sea near Knysna. The impact of Public Rescue Equipment and emergency flotation cannot be overstated,” said Ingram.

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The NSRI is urging all beachgoers to take precautions this holiday season by following its top safety guidelines, including avoiding alcohol when swimming or boating, supervising children closely, swimming where lifeguards are on duty, saving emergency numbers (like 112), and exercising caution during heavy rains and flooding. 

“This holiday season, the NSRI encourages everyone, families, and communities to help prevent tragedies by staying informed and prepared,” said Ingram.