The NSRI, lifeguards, police and emergency services have been called to multiple rescue operations over the past weeks. This includes a seeming increase in drowning incidents along the coastline and in inland waters, the NSRI said in a media statement.

The NSRI urged the public to swim at beaches protected by lifeguards during the upcoming festive season.

“Always have safety top of mind in and around coastal waters, inland waters – rivers, lakes and dams, and your swimming pool at home should be cloaked in preventative safety measures.

“We appeal to parents and carers to ensure children have responsible and sober adult supervision in and around water,” the NSRI said.

The NSRI also asked people to refrain from swimming under the influence of alcohol.

NSRI are appealing to boaters, paddlers and sailors to download and always use the NSRI SafeTrx free smartphone application and to have safety equipment at the ready always while out on your craft on the water.

Pink rescue buoys

The NSRI Pink Rescue Buoys have again stepped in, playing a critical role in aiding in bystander rescue operations, most recently at Kleinmond and at Port Alfred.

“To date, since the introduction of the NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy program in 2017, to our knowledge, there have been 199 lives saved in successful bystander Good Samaritan rescues, using NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy’s, on South African waters,” the statement reads.

“No harm has come to any of the Good Samaritans who used the pink buoys in these rescues.”

Hiking and angling

The NSRI asked coastal hikers to be well prepared and to always be cautious of hiking trails that can be deceptive in distance and difficult terrain. At high tide coastal hiking trails can be obstructed.

“We are also asking coastal shoreline anglers to be aware of the incoming high tide and never turn your back on the sea while fishing from the shoreline. Have safety top of mind.”

• NSRI emergency: 087 094 9774