THE NSRI is urging the public not to set off Chinese lanterns or red distress flares on Guy Fawkes or Diwali.
A Chinese lantern, is a small hot air balloon made of paper, with an opening at the bottom where a small fire is suspended. They have become popular in recent years and are frequently set off during beach festivals, weddings or memorials.
‘Amongst a host of risks, including the danger of igniting a fire and a danger to aviation, Chinese lanterns are often mistaken as red distress flares and account for numerous NSRI emergency activations where members of the public report a red distress flare which later turns out to have been Chinese Lanterns,’ said NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon.
‘Please do not to set off Chinese lanterns.’
Meanwhile, equally dangerous are distress flares, which are by law intended for life threatening emergencies only.
‘We must urge the public not to set off red distress flares except to indicate a life threatening emergency,’ said Lambinon.
To report a Sea Rescue emergency, dial 112 from your cellphone.
DID YOU KNOW?
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zo_teens
