With weather conditions starting to improve and with the school holidays here, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is appealing to the public to have a safety-conscious mindset.

The NSRI is urging the public to always be cautious in and around coastal and inland waters.

It urges the public to follow the South African Weather Services forecast updates and adhere to warnings.

“In places, rough sea conditions prevail along the coastline with stormy deep seas bringing hazardous conditions to parts of the coast. Recent heavy snowfalls inland may cause swollen rivers. We are appealing to the commercial maritime industry and recreational boaters, paddlers and sailors to be cautious around the coastline and to download and use the free NSRI SafeTrx smartphone application,” said the institute.

It added: “Wear life jackets on vessels and craft at sea and on inland rivers, lakes and dams. Bathers around the coast should swim at beaches protected by lifeguards and be aware of rip currents that constantly form at different places along the coastline. Anglers and coastal hikers should be cautious at high tide. Do not approach too close to the shoreline.”

Also, don’t cross flooded roadways or bridges that are submerged by swollen rivers.

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