DO not swim at beaches where lifeguards are not present, and always swim between the lifeguards’ flags.
This is the advice from the NSRI to potential beach-goers this summer, to ensure everyone is safe in the water.
By following these simple instructions, swimmers will not need to worry about rip currents or being caught out of their depth.
One simple wave of the hand when in trouble will alert a lifeguard on duty.
Beach-goers should always let someone know where they are going and what time they will be back, save the local NSRI emergency number on their phone and never turn their back on the sea when walking on, or fishing from, the rocks.
Other safety tips include not drinking alcohol before swimming, strict adult supervision for children near water, knowing how to survive rip currents, not attempting a rescue but rather notifying local sea rescue, and not letting children use flotation devices at the sea or on dams as they could be blown away.
When swimming between lifeguard flags, there will be no cause for concern over rip currents because the flags show the safest swimming zone.
But should beach-goers choose to swim at a beach where there are no lifeguards, they must be knowledgeable about rip currents.
Rip current educational material can be found on the NSRI website – http://www.nsri.org.za/2017/01/beware-of-rip-currents/.
Never attempt to rescue someone in distress as it is often the rescuer who gets into the most trouble.
The NSRI implemented its Pink Buoy initiative which provides flotation devices at strategically located beaches.
The signs on which the pink buoys hang provide clear graphics and information on how to use them.
If there are no pink buoys, any flotation device should be thrown to the person in distress, and either lifeguards or the local NSRI station notified.
People with swimming pools should ensure they are covered to prevent small children from drowning.
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