LOCAL authorities have issued a reminder on beach and water safety following two drownings in the Durban South area this past week. As the holiday season approaches and more people troop to beaches, residents and visitors alike are advised to be well aware of, and comply with, the safety recommendations to avoid any further tragedies.

Also read: Boy (14) drowns in swimming pool in Merebank

Beach safety tips:

To ensure a safe, pleasant time at the beach, the municipality has given out the following tips:

• • Always listen to lifeguards’ instructions
  • Know how to swim
  • Avoid eating before you swim
  • Enter the water feet first
  • Never swim alone and always have a buddy
  • Make sure that lifeguards can see you when you’re in the water and stay in designated areas with lifeguards present
  • When stung by blue bottles or jelly fish, always approach the lifeguard
  • When in trouble, do not panic, raise your hand to attract the lifeguards’ attention
  • If you see someone in trouble in the sea, alert the lifeguards or find help
  • Learn how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Do not swim while under the influence of alcohol
  • Be cautious of weather hazards
  • Look out for the beach safety signs

Also read: Teenager still missing following alleged drowning at Brighton Beach

How to escape a rip current:

The National Sea Rescue Institute said rip currents were one of the main hazards along the coast. They provided the following lifesaving steps to escape being entrapped in a rip current.

• Don’t panic and don’t fight the current
• Get out of the rip by swimming parallel to the shore
• Use the waves to help get you back to the beach
• Never swim into a rip to help somebody
• Rather throw them something that floats
• Use arm signals to show them to swim to the side
• Call for help

Emergency contact numbers:

• NSRI emergency line – 112.
• eThekwini municipality emergency response call centre – 031 361 0000. 
• Police – 10111
• Ambulance – 10177

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