The NSRI would like to inform every South African about the importance of knowing what the warning flags on our beaches mean.
The NSRI have been sharing water safety tips leading up to the festive season. They are encouraging parents to remain vigilant when near a body of water. This applies to beaches, pools and inland water areas.
Should there be a sea rescue emergency, the number to call is 112 from your mobile phone and this will link you to the call centre or you can find the number of your local branch listed here.
“Let’s save lives through sharing information.” – NSRI
The Basic Water Safety Tips from the NSRI are:
- Children should have responsible adult supervision when in or near water.
- Swim at beaches where and when lifeguards are on duty and swim between their flags.
- Don’t drink alcohol before you swim.
- Never swim alone. Swim in groups.
- Swimming pool fences and a child safe pool cover or net is vital at home swimming pools.
- Know how to survive rip currents.
- Don’t attempt a rescue yourself.
- Do not let children use floating objects, toys or tyre tubes at the beach or on dams. As they may cause you to be blown to deep water by winds.
- Do not be distracted by your cell phone.
- Wear lifejackets when you are on a boat.
- If your boat has a kill switch always wear it.
- Paddlers and boaters should have NSRI’s free RSA App Safetrx downloaded and used on cell phones.
- Wear bright clothing.
- Rock Anglers should wear lifejackets.
- Have local emergency numbers programmed into your phone.
- Do not dive into the water.
You can see all the information about the different warning flags below.
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