The National Sea Rescue Institute appeals to the public to swim at beaches protected by lifeguards and always to have safety at the top of their mind when swimming at beaches, rivers, lakes, dams and swimming pools.
This comes after the NSRI, lifeguards, police and the emergency services attended to multiple rescue operations over the past weeks, including sadly an increase in drowning accidents around the coastline and on inland waters.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon reports that the NSRI Pink Rescue Buoys have played a critical role in aiding bystander rescue operations, including recently at Kleinmond when a local resident used an NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy to rescue a man who had been caught in rip currents at Main Beach, Kleinmond. The Good Samaritan was commended for his efforts.
On the same day (Saturday 26 October), NSRI Kleinmond were activated after reports of a drowning in progress. A local male bystander used an NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy to reach a man in distress in the water, keeping him afloat. Three NSRI Kleinmond rescue swimmers, responded to the scene and took them to safety.
“To date, since the introduction of the NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy programme in 2017, to our knowledge, there have been 199 lives saved in successful bystander Good Samaritan rescues, using NSRI Pink Rescue Buoys, on South African waters,” Lambinon stated. Be cautious and alert
He appealed to parents and carers to ensure children have responsible and sober adult supervision in and around water, and for bathers to refrain from swimming while under the influence of alcohol,
The NSRI also cautioned boaters, paddlers and sailors to download and always use the NSRI SafeTrx free smartphone application and always have safety equipment ready while out on their craft on the water.
Coastal hikers are warned to be cautious as coastal hiking trails can be obstructed at high tide. Shoreline anglers must beware of incoming tides and not turn their backs on the sea.
NSRI commended emergency services, police, Law Enforcement, municipal authorities and lifesaving services for joint cooperation. “The public is commended for its assistance in emergencies.”
For emergencies dial 112 or call 087 094 9774. You can also contact NSRI Kleinmond on 083 419 4557; NSRI Hermanus on 082 990 5967 and NSRI Agulhas on 082 990 5952.
