As the festive season wraps up, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) says it responded to several distress incidents nationwide.
Although the holiday season officially concludes on Thursday 15 January, Andrew Ingram, NSRI communications manager, says staff and volunteers have been working around the clock.
As of Wednesday 7 January, teams had responded to 143 emergency calls, 25 drowning-in-progress incidents, 11 non-fatal and 14 fatal drowning incidents across South Africa.
Ingram warns people not to swim once they have consumed alcohol.
“Drinking alcohol seriously compromises your ability to stay safe. We don’t drink and drive, so we shouldn’t drink and swim.”
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He reiterates the importance of visiting beaches where there are lifeguards, and cautions beachgoers to swim in designated areas.
According to Ingram, rip currents (powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow from the shore out to sea, posing significant dangers to swimmers) remain the biggest threat to beachgoers.
“Most people find it difficult to see rip currents. The lifeguards know the beach well, so they will be able to keep people away from rip currents. If they are swimming between the flags and need help, they can raise their hands and the lifeguards will help them.”
Ingram warns parents and caregivers to be alert when their children are in the water.
“Drowning is silent; someone who is drowning will quietly slip underwater. They are unable to shout because they are concentrating on breathing. If parents don’t watch the children, they won’t know when the children are in difficulty.”
He says mobile phones should not be used when minding children at the beach or swimming pools.
“Put your phone down and keep your eyes up. The mobile phone takes your attention away from the children whom you should be watching.”
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