After a busy weekend of rescue missions and with swimming season in full swing, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is strongly urging the public to prioritise their safety when visiting the beach and engaging in water activities.
Also read: Cape Town residents and visitors urged to prioritise safety at beaches
‘Bathers, hikers, sailors, paddlers, fishermen and boaters on coastal waters and on inland waters are urged to have safety top of mind,’ the NSRI appealed in a statement.
‘Beach bathers, we are appealing to you and your families, to only swim at beaches protected by lifeguards. Swim in between the safer swimming areas posted by lifeguards.’
The institute also urged families to ensure responsible adult supervision for children when they are in and around water.
‘NSRI, lifeguards, police and the emergency services are on high alert and we are urgently appealing to everyone – first and foremost – be safe,’ the institute added.
The safety appeal comes after a busy weekend that saw various NSRI duty crews responding to a number of incidents, including two hikers and a dog, as well as the rescue of young children.
NSRI Hout Bay was alerted to local hikers – a man, two women and a dog – lost and dehydrated on the Hangberg hiking trail, between Hout Bay and Sandy Bay.
Also read: Team effort rescues dehydrated hikers and dog from Hangberg hiking trail
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NSRI Kleinmond medics and rescue swimmers, alongside SAPD and WCG Health EMS, responded to reports from the Overstrand Municipality of a drowning in progress in Kleinmond Lagoon.
Upon arrival, a female bystander – assisted by other members of the public – had initiated CPR efforts after a male bystander had rescued a local 9-year-old boy from under the water and brought him to the shore.
After the boy’s faint pulse and spontaneous breathing were restored, NSRI medics and fire services continued with medical treatment for the unconscious child.
The child’s condition gradually improved and he was transported to hospital by EMS ambulance in a serious but stable condition.
NSRI commended the bystanders’ efforts and reported that the boy has made a full recovery.
In another child-related incident, the NSRI Wilderness duty crew medics and a WCG Health EMS paramedic responded to reports by the Outeniqua Surf Lifesaving lifeguards, who had rescued an 11-year-old boy from Victoria Bay.
Upon arrival, the NSRI medics and EMS paramedic assisted the lifeguards with treating the boy at the lifeguard tower.
NSRI commended the lifeguards for their swift response and reported that the boy was released in good health with no further medical care required.
Additionally, NSRI Simon’s Town duty crew was activated following reports from a resident that two people were clinging to the upturned hull of their capsized craft, with flotsam visible in the water, a nautical mile from Rocklands, Murdoch Valley.
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