Beach safety tips for summer

With the festive season approaching, South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) shared important beach safety tips for visitors planning a getaway in the region.

The CEO of SCTIE, Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, said the organisation wanted to ensure all visitors remained safe when visiting the South Coast, urging holidaymakers to follow the beach safety tips supplied by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

Sibiya said people are urged to only swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty.

“It is important to note that lifeguards are only on duty at selected beaches, with times varying from beach to beach. Check whether a lifeguard is on duty before entering the water and listen to lifeguards’ advice. If you have any concerns, talk to the lifeguards about safety, as they can instruct on possible rip tides and currents,” he said.

He added that people must swim only between the designated flags.

He said all beaches monitored by lifeguards have designated yellow and red flags to indicate where you should swim.

Sibiya said never drink alcohol before swimming, saying that swimming while intoxicated was incredibly dangerous as one is more inclined to take risks they normally would not.

“If intoxicated, you could pass out or injure yourself and drown. Never swim alone; it’s best to swim with a buddy. Adult supervision is important for children. Parents and caregivers must always supervise their children near and in the ocean. Children must be watched at all times, and adults are advised to avoid looking at their cellphones or checking social media as this may distract them,” he said.

He added that it was important to remember that drowning is silent.

Sibiya said the public needs to be aware of inflatable toys, rip currents and spring tides.

He added that if you see someone in difficulty in the ocean, call a lifeguard or dial the nearest NSRI station or 112 from your phone.

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