THE holiday season is well under way, and the NSRI is appealing to the public to be safe in and around coastal and inland waters.

Coastal bathers are advised to swim only at beaches protected by lifeguards, and only in between the lifeguards’ safe swimming zone red and yellow flags on the beach.

Lifeguards regularly move these flags when they detect rip currents forming, and the NSRI appeals to the public to obey these designated swimming areas.

If children become lost while at the beach, they are encouraged to seek out a lifeguard for assistance in finding their family again.

The NSRI also cautions fishermen, coastline anglers, and hikers to be aware of spring tides. The new moon spring tide peaks tomorrow (2 January).

The higher-than-normal high tides and lower-than-normal low tides precede and follow after the spring tide’s peak day.

Boaters, paddlers, and sailboarders are urged to wear well-fitting and fastened life jackets while their craft is under way.

Boaters are also encouraged to make sure their vessels are in working order and their motors are serviced before launching.

Important reminders
• Do not drink alcohol before going swimming, boating, paddling, or sailboarding
• If you are caught in a rip current, don’t panic; stay afloat using the air in your lungs for natural buoyancy, and tread water to keep your head above the surface
• Go with the rip current, do not try to swim against it
• Call out for help, and at your first opportunity swim across the beachfront until you are free from the rip current. Then use the incoming waves to get back to the beach.

The NSRI is on high alert every day of the year, and during the festive season, the organisation’s volunteers increase physical time spent at NSRI rescue stations around the coast and on inland waters to ensure a swift response to emergencies.

To report a water emergency, call 112 from your cellphone or call 087 0949774.