NSRI urges holidaymakers to stay vigilant around water this summer
NSRI rescue crew speeds across the water during a holiday readiness patrol as emergency call-outs rise nationwide.
Image: Supplied
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is urging holidaymakers to stay alert around water as the summer school break begins, warning of a marked spike in drownings and emergency call-outs across the country.
Over the past three weeks, NSRI crews have seen “a notable increase in emergency responses”, many involving families and children at beaches, rivers, dams and swimming pools. The organisation says the trend is typical of early December but stresses that simple precautions can prevent tragedies.
“Public vigilance, lifeguard services, and community collaboration continue to save lives every day,” said Andrew Ingram, NSRI communications manager.
He noted the growing impact of the organisation’s public rescue equipment: “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.”
According to the NSRI, volunteers responded to 13 drownings in progress over the past three weeks. Seven were fatal. Twenty-five people were saved by NSRI volunteers, NSRI lifeguards and members of the public, while five were rescued using Pink Rescue Buoys. Increased use of the free NSRI SafeTrx App also helped responders reach people more quickly.
The NSRI says drowning is silent, and immediate supervision — especially of young children — is critical. Alcohol remains a major risk factor, and parents and caregivers are urged to stay focused near water and avoid distractions such as mobile phones.
Holidaymakers are encouraged to choose beaches with lifeguards and swim between the flags. If caught in a rip current, the NSRI advises people to float, wave for help and swim sideways out of the current before returning to shore. Bystanders should call for help and only attempt rescues with flotation.
Summer storms and flooding also pose dangers. Rivers can become deadly within minutes, and the NSRI cautions people not to cross fast-flowing water on foot or in vehicles, and not to enter the water to assist others without flotation.
As Cape Town heads into its busiest festive period, the NSRI says preparedness and calm, early action remain key to preventing tragedy.
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