Water safety in focus at Probus Bedfordview meeting

With warmer weather and outdoor water activities around the corner, Probus Bedfordview welcomed guest speaker Liezl van der Merwe from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) this August to raise awareness about drowning prevention and water safety.

Liezl, a PR and community engagement spokesperson for the NSRI, has dedicated seven years to educating the public and sharing the life-saving work of the organisation.

“Knowledge is power, and by sharing information, like emergency numbers, you can help save a life. You don’t need to put your toe in the water to make a difference,” she said.

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The NSRI is a registered NPO committed to preventing drowning along South Africa’s coastal and inland waters.
Established in 1967 by Patty Price, the organisation now operates with over 1 500 volunteers across 52 lifeguarded beaches and more than 50 rescue stations, equipped with about 100 rescue craft, ranging from inflatable JetRIBs to 14.8m offshore rescue craft.

In Ekurhuleni, they have Station 27, located in Benoni.

South Africa records approximately 1 500 drowning deaths annually, including 450 children under 14. Globally, up to 236 000 people die from drowning each year, making it one of the top ten causes of death for children under 14.

The NSRI rescues around 1 000 lives annually, an average of two to three lives saved per day.

Liezl highlighted that many drownings are preventable, particularly with awareness and proper supervision. “Anyone can drown, but no one should,” she said.

During her talk, Liezl illustrated NSRI’s innovative initiatives:

• Survival swimming programmes: Through mobile swimming pools inside shipping containers, children learn breath control, orientation, flotation, and self-rescue techniques. Over 3 000 children have been trained to date.
• Water safety education: Qualified instructors teach previously disadvantaged communities about water hazards, emergency response, and CPR.
• Rescue operations: NSRI volunteers are trained in swift water rescue, first aid, and firefighting, operating state-of-the-art vessels including JetRIBs and Class 1 offshore rescue craft.
• Pink buoys and wildlife rescue: Beyond human rescues, NSRI assists with animals, including turtles, seals, birds, and whales.
• Technology in action: Beach safety cameras help monitor high-risk areas, preventing incidents before they occur.
Liezl stressed the importance of preparation.

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“Keep the NSRI emergency numbers in your phone: 112 option 4 or 087 094 9774,” she advised.

These connect callers directly to the nearest station or the emergency operations centre.

As South Africans enjoy dams, rivers, and beaches, Liezl offered key safety advice:

• Supervise children closely: Drowning is silent and fast—always watch children near water.
• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, increasing risk.
• Swim in designated areas: Stick to lifeguarded beaches or marked safe zones.
• Understand rip currents: Stay calm, float, and swim parallel to the shore.
• Use safety apps and gear: Install the free SafeTrx app and wear life jackets when boating.
• Learn CPR: Immediate intervention can save lives.

With the summer season approaching, NSRI urges the public to be vigilant and prepared. Probus’s next meeting is on September 2 at the St George’s Lounge.