With the start of the summer festive season upon us, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) says several incidents have already been reported around beaches along the coastlines.
According to the NSRI, lifeguards, Police and emergency services have attended to multiple rescue operations over the past weeks. This includes an increase in drowning accidents around the coastline and on inland waters.
The institute has therefore reiterated its call to the public to swim at beaches protected by lifeguards. Always have safety top of mind in and around coastal waters, and on inland waters – rivers, lakes and dams, and swimming pools should be cloaked in preventative safety measures.
“We appeal to parents and carers to ensure children have responsible and sober adult supervision in and around water.”
At the same time, bathers are urged to refrain from swimming under the influence of alcohol.
“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.”
In a statement, the NSRI has noted that its Pink Rescue Buoys have again stepped in, playing a critical role in aiding in bystander rescue operations, most recently at Kleinmond and at Port Alfred.
To date, since the introduction of the NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy program in 2017 there have been 199 lives saved in successful bystander Good Samaritan rescues, using these Buoys, on South African waters.
“No harm has come to any of the Good Samaritan’s who used the pink buoys in these rescues.”
During the hotter months, coastal hikers are also urged to be well prepared and always be cautious of hiking trails that can be deceptive in distance and difficult terrain. At high tide, coastal hiking trails can be obstructed.
“We are also asking coastal shoreline anglers to be aware of the incoming high tide and never turn their back on the sea while fishing from the shoreline. Have safety top of mind.”
The institute has commended the public for their assistance during unfolding emergency operations.
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