Emergency services have urged heightened vigilance around water this festive season, whether at the beach, swimming pools or dams, following a near-drowning incident in Richards Bay on Monday.

According to Zululand Observer, the incident occurred when a 29-year-old man experienced difficulty while swimming in the Bay Hall area.

Man rescued by lifeguards

According to Joe Kruger from Mounties EMS, the man was submerged for an unknown period, but lifeguards managed to pull him from the water and perform CPR.

The man regained consciousness after one cycle of CPR and was transported to hospital for observation and a check-up.

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) water safety tips

• Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating
• Supervise children closely
• Know your emergency numbers: 112 (free emergency call for police, ambulance, fire or NSRI) and 087 094 9774 (NSRI’s emergency operations centre)
• Always wear a life jacket when taking part in water sports
• Swim only at lifeguard-designated beaches and between lifeguard flags
• Respect heavy rainfall and flooding
• Learn survival swimming
• Learn basic CPR
• Use a kill switch on boats
• Use the NSRI’s free SafeTRX app

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