8 tips for staying safe at the beach this summer

EACH year, approximately 1 500 people drown, and about 450 of those (30%) are under the age of 14.

This is according to the National Sea Rescue Institute’s (NSRI) drowning prevention manager, Andrew Ingram.

Also read: NSRI urges swimmers and beachgoers to be safe over the festive season

These drownings are completely preventable with the right education and training.

In the lead-up to the festive season, which sees a marked increase in the number of drownings countrywide, Ingram said, “The best advice that I can give to parents and caregivers in order to keep their children safe when they are in or near water is to watch them constantly. Do not get distracted by your cellphone, socialising or anything else. Drowning is silent, and if you are not watching your children, they may suddenly get out of their depth with disastrous consequences.”

The NSRI has provided safety tips for all water users to bear in mind, not just for the holiday season, but for every time you’re planning a day at the beach or going out on the water for any reason.

1. Swim at beaches where and when lifeguards are on duty

Lifeguards are only on duty at selected beaches. The times that they are on duty vary from beach to beach so it’s important to find out local information pertaining to when they will be on duty. If lifeguards are not on duty, do not swim. And don’t ever be tempted to swim on an unfamiliar or deserted beach while on a road trip.

2. Swim between the lifeguard flags

If you swim between the lifeguard flags, the lifeguards will be watching you very carefully and can help if there is a problem. Just wave your arm if you need help. Share this information with your grown children, but never leave minors unsupervised.

Also read: NSRI launches free sea safety app ahead of holiday season

3. Don’t drink alcohol and swim

Being physically impaired in water is very dangerous as you’ll be more inclined to take risks you normally wouldn’t. Also, you could pass out or injure yourself and drown.

4. Don’t swim alone. Always swim with a buddy

If you are with a buddy while swimming, there is someone who can call for help if you need it and are unable to wave to the lifeguards or call for help yourself.

5. Avoid attempting a rescue yourself

If you see someone in difficulty, call a lifeguard at once or dial 112 from your cellphone. After calling for help, try and throw something that floats to the person in difficulty. If there is a rescue buoy in close proximity, this can be used as a flotation device until help arrives. If you do ever attempt a bystander rescue, do so only if you can swim and are able to take a flotation device with you. Tell someone on the beach to call 112 before you go in.

6. Beware of inflatable tubes, boats and toys

Lightweight inflatables should not be used at the beach or on dams where currents and wind can blow the inflatable, and the person on them, offshore. They are extremely dangerous and should only be used where intended, ie, in a swimming pool, and only under adult supervision.

Also read: NSRI wishes beachgoers and holidaymakers a safe summer

7. Do not get distracted by your cellphone or social media

While you are looking after children in or near water, you need to focus on them and nothing else. Adults who are supervising children should not be distracted or use their cellphone. It is not possible to concentrate on children in the water and be on your phone at the same time. Remember, drowning is silent.

8. Adult supervision and barriers to water are vital

Adults who are supervising children in or near water must be able to swim. Children should not be able to get through or over barriers, such as pool fences to the water. Only use child-safe pool fences and child-safe pool covers or nets.

Dial 112 in the event of an emergency.

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