Water safety in sharp focus following drownings in uMhlanga
There have been two drownings at non-swimming beaches in uMhlanga in the last two weeks.
TWO fatal drownings have brought into sharp focus the importance of swimming at designated swimming beaches watched and manned by eThekwini lifeguards.
Last week, a woman in her 30s drowned after she got into difficulty at the Durban View beach.
The woman, who was from Amaoti (Inanda), was declared deceased by paramedics after rescuers tried for close to 30 minutes to resuscitate her using CPR.
Just a week earlier, a 23-year-old man from Limpopo was swept out to sea at the Eastmoor Crescent beach after being caught in a rip current.
Related story: Woman drowns at uMhlanga Beach
His body was recovered three days later after washing up in Clarke Bay, Ballito, more than 30km away.
In both instances, the drownings took place at non-swimming beaches.
In uMhlanga, there are two designated bathing or swimming beaches, Main Beach and Bronze Beach, separated by 500m, both of which are manned by lifeguards.
Meanwhile, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) appealed to South Africans and tourists to have a safety conscious mindset and to always be cautious in and around coastal waters.
“We are appealing to bathers to swim at beaches protected by lifeguards. Do not drink alcohol when you go swimming. We are also urging parents to ensure their children have responsible and sober adult supervision in and around water. We are appealing to everyone to have safety top of mind in and around water,” explained NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon.
Also read: Missing man’s body found washed up in Ballito
He also advised what to do if caught in a rip current.
“If you are caught in a rip current do not panic. Stay afloat moving your arms and legs in circular movements, treading water, and using the air in your lungs for flotation. Shout for help. Move (swim) across the beachfront until you are free of the rip current and then use the incoming waves to get back to shore, keeping your head above water and staying afloat,” he said.
In addition to the lifeguards posted at swimming beaches, there are 11 Pink Rescue Buoys along the uMhlanga Promenade.
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