Fifteen young rugby players from Sir Lowry’s Pass Primary School swapped the field for the shore, participating in a Sea Safe beach and sea-safety education session designed to equip them with practical skills that could save lives.

With summer holidays approaching – the busiest time of year at Helderberg beaches – the session could not have come at a better time.

Recent near-fatal and fatal drownings at Strand Beach have underscored just how quickly a day at the coast can turn tragic, making awareness and preparation essential before the crowds arrive.

Hands-on learning

The programme combined basic sea-safety theory with practical implementation through fun, interactive games and activities. The boys learned how to identify rip currents and what to do if caught in one, how waves, tides and changing sea conditions affect safety, and what the red and yellow beach flags mean. They were taught to know their own ability, recognise when conditions are beyond their experience, and check weather and sea conditions before heading to the beach.

A central message was simple: “If in doubt, don’t go out.”

The session also stressed never swimming alone – always with a buddy – knowing when and where it is safe to enter the water, respecting the ocean.

Preventing tragedy

The goal of Sea Safe is straightforward: to educate people about the sea and the beach in the hope of reducing preventable drownings. By giving people basic knowledge and practical skills, the programme aims to empower them to safely enjoy the beach make better decisions before entering the water.

One of Sea Safe’s simplest and most powerful messages is its number one rule: respect the sea.