LISTEN: Sea safety warning ahead of super spring tide

The NSRI on Friday issued a warning to all bathers along the coastline, to be vigilant and adopt a safety mindset at all times.

This as the full moon spring tide will be at its peak over the weekend and into next week.

This warning comes after the tragic drowning of two children, aged 9 and 10, in a dam in the Mtubatuba area, and a third child, a teenager, in the river in Amatikulu on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

NSRI safety tips:

• Do not drink alcohol and swim
• Bathers at beaches must swim where and when lifeguards are on duty between the lifeguard ‘safe swimming zone’ flags – obey the lifeguards for everyone’s safety
• Beach bathers, shoreline anglers and coastal hikers be aware of two high tides and two low tides around the coast every day
• Be aware of rip currents that can pull swimmers out to sea
• Full moon and new moon spring tide brings higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides that can cause stronger than normal rip currents
• Bathers at rivers, lakes and dams, should swim with a floating aid for safety and visibility. But do not let it blow you away from the shore in strong winds
• Don’t venture too far from the shore
• If you get tired in the water, float on your back and don’t panic – fill your lungs with air to aid flotation and stay calm
• Parents and caregivers, ensure responsible, sober adults supervise children while they are swimming in water or when they are around water
• Wear bright clothing at the beach, especially children
• Your swimming pool at home should be cloaked in safety
• Boaters, paddlers and sailors – wear your life-jacket, and download and always use NSRI’s free SafeTrx smartphone app when out on the water. Know how to use your safety equipment – a referee whistle, red distress flares and cellphone fully charged in a watertight plastic sleeve
• Always keep a responsible family member or friend updated with where you are going, your expected return time, and check in on your safe return.
• In an emergency, call: 112 or the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre on 087 0949774.

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