NSRI calls for caution amid rise in emergency responses

With a notable increase in emergency responses involving families and children on holiday at beaches, rivers and dams, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has called for extreme caution this festive season.

The NSRI has urged holidaymakers to be vigilant and to prioritise safety in and around the water.

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“Pink rescue buoys have now been used in 230 rescues that we know of, with the most recent rescue where a pink buoy was used being for a father and his daughter at Brenton-On-Sea near Knysna.

“The impact of public rescue equipment and emergency flotation cannot be overstated,” said NSRI Communications Manager, Andrew Ingram.

Recent Stats at a Glance:

• NSRI volunteers have responded to 13 drownings in progress in the past three weeks. Tragically, 7 of these were fatal. This does not include incidents that the NSRI was not called-out to.

• A combination of NSRI volunteers, NSRI lifeguards, and members of the public has saved 25 lives over this period.

• Five people have been rescued using pink rescue buoys.

• Widespread use of the Free NSRI SafeTrx App and positive, proactive public involvement have all saved lives.

Top 5 Holiday Water Safety Tips

1. Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating

Alcohol impairs judgment and may put your life at significant risk if you swim after drinking alcohol. When drinking alcohol, ask another responsible adult to supervise children in or near water. The same rules that apply to drinking and driving also apply to water.

2. Always supervise children

Drowning is silent. There is often no splash or cry for help. Keep young children within arm’s reach and never take your eyes off them near water. Do not be distracted by your phone.

3. Swim where lifeguards are present

Choose to visit a beach where lifeguards are on duty and swim between the lifeguard flags. Most beachgoers can’t identify rip currents. Lifeguards can. If you’re caught in a current, float, wave for help, and swim sideways out of the current before heading back to shore.

4. If someone else is in danger in the water:

• Call for help.
• Give them something that floats (such as a Pink Rescue Buoy).
• Only attempt a rescue if you have flotation and are confident in your ability. Even strong swimmers should not enter the water to attempt a rescue without something that floats.

5. Save emergency numbers

Call 112 from any cell phone (a free call which connects to all emergency services).
NSRI Emergency Operations Centre: 087 094 9774. One call can activate any Sea Rescue station nationwide.
Save these numbers before your holiday starts. If you don’t have them in an emergency, Google “NSRI emergency number” in a crisis.

6. Take extra care during summer rain and flooding

Never try to cross fast-flowing rivers on foot or in a vehicle.
Don’t enter the water to assist someone without flotation.
In flood situations, call for help and stay safe. Don’t become a second victim

Source: www.nsri.co.za

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