The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) wishes everyone a safe and joyful festive season.

The institute hopes that everyone enjoys time with loved ones, takes the opportunity to recharge, and enters the New Year feeling refreshed. At the same time, they strongly encourage people to prioritise safety, especially in and around water.

Read more: Glen Austin resident takes on Robben Island to Big Bay swim

In recent weeks, NSRI rescue crews have experienced a significant increase in emergency responses, many involving families and children enjoying holidays at beaches, rivers, dams, and swimming pools.

Andrew Ingram, the NSRI communications manager, emphasised that public vigilance, lifeguard services, and community collaboration continue to save lives every day.

“Pink Rescue Buoys have been used in 230 rescues that we know of, with the most recent rescue involving a father and his daughter at Brenton-On-Sea near Knysna. The importance of public rescue equipment and emergency flotation cannot be overstated.”

This holiday season, the NSRI encourages everyone—families and communities alike—to help prevent tragedies by staying informed and prepared.

Also read: Swim safely during the holidays

Recent stats at a glance:

• NSRI volunteers have responded to 13 drownings in progress in the past three weeks. Tragically, seven of these were fatal drownings. This does not include incidents that the NSRI was not called out to.
• A combination of NSRI volunteers, NSRI lifeguards, and members of the public has saved twenty-five lives over this period.
• Five people have been rescued using Pink Rescue Buoys.
• Widespread use of the free NSRI SafeTrx app and positive, proactive public involvement have all saved lives.

NSRI’s top five holiday water safety tips

• Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating: Alcohol impairs judgment and may put your life at significant risk if you swim after drinking alcohol.
• Always supervise children: Keep young children within arm’s reach and never take your eyes off them near water.
• Swim where lifeguards are present: Choose to visit a beach where lifeguards are on duty and swim between the lifeguard flags.
• Save emergency numbers: Call 112 from any cell phone (a free call that connects to all emergency services).
• Take extra care during summer rain and flooding

For more safety information, visit Nsri.org.za
NSRI Emergency Operations Centre: 087 094 9774. One call can activate any Sea Rescue station nationwide.

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