Edited by Bev Mortimer- With the summer season in full swing and warmer days beckoning visitors and residents visit the beaches more, the NSRI says, but it warns beach goers to the coast to not to let their guard down and to ensure they keep themselves families safe.
“One of the simplest things you can do to stay safe this summer is to visit a beach where lifeguards are on duty and only go into the water between their red and yellow flags,” says Rebecca Carter-Smith, the Western Cape’s Lifeguard Manager at the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
“Rip currents pose a real danger and can easily catch you off guard and pull you into deeper water. Lifeguards are trained to spot these danger zones and guide beachgoers on where to enjoy the water safely.”
This past year has seen NSRI volunteer duty teams rushing to save the lives of many swimmers in danger of drowning through rip currents all around the South African coastline . There have been many incidents of drownings occurring before NSRI rescuers could the reach rip current victims.
This year, the NSRI’s lifeguards have been entrusted to look after 65 beaches around the country, up from 21 last year. Equipped with fins, wet-suits, Malibu rescue boards, and torpedo buoys, NSRI lifeguards are well-prepared to handle water emergencies efficiently.
They are also prepared with first aid essentials, oxygen, and an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to provide immediate medical assistance. Supported by advanced communication systems, including VHF radio and cell phone networks, as well as over 50 Sea Rescue base stations, beach safety cameras, and their national Emergency Operations Centre, the NSRI is ready to respond swiftly in any emergency.
“We see Life guarding as a comprehensive system. It involves effective training, development of lifeguards, quality equipment, and sound management,” says KZN Lifeguard Manager, Mthe Kweyama.
The NSRI Life-guarding unit, having conducted 94 rescues, 106 first aid treatments, and 9402 prevention interventions in the 2022/2023 season, places a significant emphasis on prevention, aiming to proactively address potential incidents before they become emergencies.
There are many other ways you to oneself and safe, such as: learning how to do bystander CPR, knowing to call 112 in an emergency, and having the NSRI emergency number (087 094 9774) saved on one’s before going to the beach.
Lastly, know that alcohol is one of the leading causes of drowning fatalities. It impairs judgement and the supervision of kids around water – which may put their lives at risk.
