AS the weather improves and school holidays start, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is urging the public to take water safety precautions when visiting beaches, swimming pools, rivers and dams.

With the term three school holidays starting and temperatures rising more people are expected to spend time in and around the water.

Also read: Teaching children water safety is vital

The NSRI is appealing to families, swimmers, boaters and anglers that a few key precautions can prevent an emergency.

Head of Communications at the NSRI Andrew Ingram said, “Summer should be a time to enjoy the water safely, but increased activity along the coastline, dams and rivers can also result in more people getting into difficulty. Many water-related emergencies can be prevented by planning ahead, choosing safer places to swim and supervising children closely.”

Key water safety tips
• Avoid alcohol before or during swimming and boating.
• Swim where lifeguards are on duty, and stay between the designated flags.
• Learn about rip currents. If you are caught in one, do not panic or try to swim directly against the current. Float, raise an arm to attract attention and, when possible, swim parallel to the beach until you are clear of the current. Then use the incoming waves to help you return to shore.
• Never turn your back on the sea, particularly when standing on rocks or fishing from the shoreline.
• Wear a correctly fitted lifejacket when boating, paddling or fishing from rocks.
• Know your emergency numbers. Save 112, the national emergency number, and the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre number, 087 094 9774, on your phone before you need them.
• If you see someone in difficulty, call a lifeguard or the NSRI for help. Do not enter the water without flotation. Throw the person something that floats, such as a Pink Rescue Buoy.
• Learn basic bystander CPR. It can help save a life while emergency services are on their way.

“Water safety starts before you leave home. Check where lifeguards will be on duty, make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency and save the relevant emergency numbers on your phone. Most importantly, please actively supervise children whenever they are near water,” Ingram added.

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