The NSRI urges people to be vigilant when visiting the beach and to have the NSRI National Emergency number, 087 094 9774, saved on their phone. Photo: Facebook


With the summer season in full swing and warmer days beckoning beachgoers to the coast, the National Sea Rescue Institute urged people not to let their guard down.

“If you are visiting the coast one of the simplest things you can do to stay safe this summer is to visit a beach where lifeguards are on duty and go into the water only between their red and yellow flags,” cautioned Rebecca Carter-Smith, the NSRI’s Lifeguard Manager for the Western Cape.

“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 year the NSRI’s lifeguards have been entrusted to look after 65 beaches around the country, up from 21 last year.

Equipped with fins, wetsuits, Malibu rescue boards and torpedo buoys, NSRI lifeguards are well-prepared to handle water emergencies efficiently.

Beyond the water they are prepared with first-aid essentials, oxygen and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to provide immediate medical assistance. Supported by advanced communication systems, including VHF radio and cellphone networks as well as more than 50 Sea Rescue base stations, beach-safety cameras and its national Emergency Operations Centre, the NSRI is ready to respond swiftly in any emergency.

“We see lifeguarding as a comprehensive system,” said KZN Lifeguard Manager Mthe Kweyama.

“It involves effective training, development of lifeguards, quality equipment and sound management.”

The NSRI Lifeguarding Unit, having conducted 94 rescues, 106 first-aid treatments and 9 402 prevention interventions in the 2022-’23 season, places a significant emphasis on prevention of drowning incidents.

There are many other ways you can keep yourself and others safe, such as by learning how to do bystander CPR, making sure you know to call 112 in an emergency or having the NSRI emergency number 087 094 9774 saved on your phone before going to the beach.

Lastly, know that alcohol is one of the leading causes of drowning fatalities and will impair your judgement and how effectively you can supervise children around water, which may put their lives at risk.

Visit www.nsri.org.za for more information.

You can also contact one of the following stations in case of a sea rescue emergency:. NSRI Station 42 Kleinmond: 083 419 4557. NSRI Station 30 Agulhas: 082 990 5952. NSRI Station 17 Hermanus: 082 990 5967.

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