The holiday season is upon us, and many South Africans will be heading to the beach for a bit of summer fun. However, the last thing anyone wants to deal with while enjoying the beach is an emergency.
This is why the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has put together a list of safety tips to help you and your loved ones have a safe and fun December vacation.
Safety Tips:
- Always swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty, and always swim between the lifeguard’s flags
- Don’t drink alcohol and then swim.
- Always swim with a buddy, never swim alone.
- Children must always be supervised by an attentive adult who is able to swim. Adults should never be distracted by their phones while watching children swim.
- Swimmers should know how to spot and avoid a rip current.
- Never attempt to rescue someone in distress by yourself.
- Watch children who are using floatation devices carefully as the wind could sweep them out to sea.
- Learn how to do CPR in case of an emergency.
- Remember that drowning is silent. People who are drowning are usually not yelling for help or waving their hands around.
Also read: NSRI urges the public to be more cautious around coastal and inland waterways
Meanwhile, boaters and paddlers are urged to always watch the weather forecast carefully and be prepared for the worst if weather conditions change.
“If you’re going out paddling or boating, always let a responsible person know the route that you plan on taking and your estimated return time. An easy way to do this is to log your outing on the SafeTRX app.
“Wear a lifejacket at all times when out at sea and keep your cellphone, with fully charged batteries, in a watertight plastic sleeve attached to your lifejacket,” NSRI said.
Save these emergency contact numbers on your phone:
- 087 094 9774 (NSRI Emergency)
- 112 (National Emergency)
Read more:
WATCH: NSRI launches the first Offshore Rescue Craft built in South Africa
Picture: Cape{town}etc gallery