Richards Bay bather safety concerns

COMMON sense and heeding official warnings are what’s needed if it is to be a ‘drown-free’ long weekend in Richards Bay.

‘The possible tragedy  tragedy of bathers, especially children, losing their lives is one that haunts us every holidays – and it’s something that could and should be avoided,’ said Alkantstrand beach manager Shakes Hiraman.

‘First on the list is to obey the lifesavers.’ instructions. This means swimming only between the demarcated (flagged) bathing areas.

‘This applies especially to those visitors who are not accustomed to the sea and are not aware of the dangers of rip currents.

‘The second is to swim only in designated areas and only when the lifeguards are on duty, which is daily between 8am and 5pm.’

Hiraman also gave a repeat reminder of the high tide hazard in the Bay Hall area, where a sudden drop off underfoot ledges catches non-swimmers by surprise.

‘They are suddenly out of their depth and begin to panic. ‘Very often drownings in this seemingly safe area are linked to alcohol consumption, either in terms of intoxicated bathers or of failure of drunken adults to exercise proper supervision over children.

‘Linked to this of course is the damage done by broken is the damage done by broken bottles.

‘There will be no lifeguards on duty at the Bay Hall area over the weekend, so we strongly recommend that people swim only at Alkantstrand.’

With plenty happening in and on the water over the weekend, including the annual Richards Bay Ski Boat Club fishing Bonanza, the NSRI will be on normal standby duty and can be contacted on 082 990 5949 for any emergency.

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