SEVERAL drownings along the KZN coastline have brought swimming safety into sharp focus.

Last week alone emergency services, including the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), responded to drowning incidents at Pennington Beach, Hibberdene, Umkomaas, Durban, Ballito, King Cetshwayo and St Lucia.

On the KZN north coast, a 17-year-old died after being swept out to sea in uMdloti on December 17 while swimming with friends.

In a second incident, a non-fatal drowning, a member of the public helped save another teenager who got into difficulty while swimming at uMhlanga Beach on December 29.

Also read: Teenager saved from drowning in uMhlanga

In the incident in uMdloti lifeguards had rescued two bathers, both teenagers, aged 18 and 19, after three of them got into difficulties in the surf zone – offshore of the tidal pool.

NSRI rescue swimmers, together with SAPS, Netcare 911, and Durban Metro Police Search and Rescue, joined eThekwini lifeguards and Marshall Security officers on the scene, but after extensive sea and shoreline search efforts they could not locate the youngster’s body.

His body later washed up on the same beach a day later.

In network news: Drowning disaster off Pennington main beach — 3 dead, 3 missing, 1 rescued

NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said emergency services and lifeguards appealed to the public to be cautious, especially around rip currents and sea currents.

He advised that bathers only swim at beaches protected by lifeguards, and to not drink alcohol and swim.

He also encouraged parents to ensure their children have responsible adult supervision in and around water.

For those planning on boating and paddling, Lambinon encouraged the use of the free NSRI SafeTRX smartphone app which allows you to log your trip and call the NSRI for help quickly and easily.

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