Spring is coming, and as the weather warms, the beaches get busier but the ocean is still quite rough so the NSRI has issued a safety alert to the public.
South Africa (02 September 2021) – The weather may not be great just yet, it will be soon, and that means people will flock to their favourite beaches, lakes and rivers to cool off. While there is loads of fun to be had, we should all remain vigilant and adhere to safety warnings.
The NSRI are busy preparing for the warmer weather and hope that they can avoid as many water accidents as possible by cautioning the public. They shared their safety alert, which you can read below.
“With Spring approaching NSRI are appealing to the public to be cautious in and around water.
Weather conditions are improving as we head towards warmer weather but Winter sea conditions, with rough seas, strong winds and often stormy conditions prevail.
NSRI are appealing to anyone launching any kind of craft to go to sea to download and use the NSRI RSA SafeTrx free cellphone application.
NSRI responded to a number of calls over the past few days and we are reminding boaters, sailors and paddlers to always consult SAWS (South African Weather Service) forecasts before launching, prepare for expected weather conditions and have and use the NSRI RSA SafeTrx app on your cellphone.
We are also appealing to sea going and inland water users – boaters, sailors and paddlers – to have easily accessible safety gear onboard their craft – cellphones fully charged and stored in watertight plastic sleeves, the NSRI emergency numbers 112 and 0870949774 programmed into your phone, red distress flares, bright coloured craft and clothing, a referee whistle, wear properly fitting life-jackets and know how to use your safety equipment in an emergency.
Prepare yourself and your crew for an emergency so that everyone is familiar with what to do when an emergency situation arises.
Children should have responsible adult supervision in and around water.”
Beachgoers should also keep an eye out for the NSRI Pink Buoys as well. The buoys are placed at beaches around South Africa and there to be thrown into the water where there is drowning in progress. The concept is that people will notify the NSRI of the drowning and use the buoy to keep the victim afloat until they can be rescued.
The NSRI urges community members to become pink lifesavers by reporting any missing pink rescue buoys to their Emergency Operations Centre on 021 434 4011. Your report could save a life. Should someone be drowning, help by immediately calling the emergency numbers on the Pink Rescue Buoy sign or 112 from your cell phone for help.
You can save lives too by sponsoring a Pink Rescue Buoy for a community in need at the cost of R1500 per buoy or by supporting the NSRI’s drowning prevention initiatives.
You can see the various way to donate here: www.nsri.org.za/donate.
If you would like to volunteer and assist the NSRI in protecting and maintaining the buoys, please contact pinkrescuebuoys@searescue.org.za
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