Two Bits – 6 October 2015

The death of a young lifeguard at Tinley Manor beach this week is a tragedy. The community has been quick to respond, appealing for donations to help cover funeral costs.
The community salutes the lifeguards who every day lay their lives on the line. These emergency service workers are not highly paid – they certainly don’t drive Porsches – yet they risk their lives to allow so many others to enjoy the pleasures of an outing to the seaside.
Every death on our coast is a savage reminder that this is an extreme environment and we need to be constantly on our guard. I am impressed by the display boards that have been put up on our beaches, pointing out the dangers of rip currents. Take a little time to study them. Point them out to your guests and encourage them to pay attention to them. Never underestimate the power and unpredictability of the sea.
I fell off a fishing ski in rough breakers on the South Coast a few years ago, and even though I am a capable swimmer, I got caught up in a rip like a runaway train. I have never been so glad to see a young lifeguard on his yellow board! He got me out of danger within a few seconds, but there was a long moment, swallowing salty water, when I wondered what the hell I was going to do! I take my hat off to every one of them!
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The high winds and heavy, running seas since Sunday night wakened hope in many breasts that rain might be close behind. But it doesn’t look that way.
It was in May that Umgeni Water confidently told us, not to worry, the spring rains would come and out troubles would be over. They were miffed when some doubted their prediction. Well, here we are in November with the Umvoti River virtually dry, the Tongaat and Tugela rivers not much better, Hazelmere Dam at 27 percent and shrinking and, what do you know, holiday season little more than a month away.
The only upside to this year’s situation, compared to the year when the Ballito reservoir ran dry and upset so many visitors, is that the drought is countrywide. At least when the holidaymakers arrive, they should be more receptive to the fact of water restrictions. Nevertheless, with the population of the Dolphin Coast more than tripling, there will be enormous demands on the water supplies.
My rainwater tank is almost dry, but there is always the hope that a little rain could fill the tank enough to serve as emergency backup. I’m thinking of installing a second tank now – suppose I’d better get moving before they sell out! (Note to self – should have bought shares in JoJo long ago).
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There once was a 94-year-old nun, whose worn out body began to surrender. Her doctor prescribed for her a shot of whisky three times a day, to relax her. However, not to be lured into worldly pleasures, she huffily declined.
But her mother superior knew the elderly sister loved milk. So she instructed the kitchen to spike the milk three times a day. Eventually, the elderly pious one approached her final hour. As several sisters gathered around her at bedside, the mother superior asked if she wanted to leave them any words of wisdom.
“Oh, yes,” she replied. “Never sell that cow!”