Twenty-five lives have already been saved by NSRI volunteers, NSRI lifeguards, and members of the public this festive season. Pass these water-safety tips around!
Cape Town, South Africa (12 December 2025) – The holidays have kicked off, and families are cannonballing to the beach. It’s the most joyful time of the year, and one best enjoyed when everyone stays safe, especially on the roads and in the water.
“Over the past three weeks, NSRI rescue crews have seen a notable increase in emergency responses, many involving families and children on holiday at beaches, rivers, dams, and swimming pools.” shares the NSRI.
Twenty-five lives have already been saved in the water in this period. The NSRI’s Pink Rescue Buoys have helped good Samaritans in five beach rescues, and the widespread use of the free SafeTrx App has saved lives.
“Public vigilance, lifeguard services, and community collaboration continue to save lives every day,” says Andrew Ingram, NSRI Communications Manager.
We need to keep safe. Families and communities should all play a role in preventing tragedies by staying informed and prepared.
NSRI’s 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.
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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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