THE NSRI, lifeguards, SA Police, and other emergency services are appealing to groups visiting beaches, such as schools, churches, sports teams, people attending year-end functions, and bathers, to know the tide times, only go to beaches protected by lifeguards, and to avoid venturing too deep into the water.
Rip currents form constantly at different places along the shoreline throughout the day and night, and bathers should always be alert to rip currents while in the surf zone.
If you are caught in a rip current:
. Don’t panic.
. Stay afloat by treading water—move your arms and legs in circular movements—and use the air in your lungs for added buoyancy.
. As difficult as it sounds—go with the current and stay afloat—do not try to swim against the current; it will only tire you out.
. Shout for help. Bystanders on the beach should call NSRI and continue to monitor where the casualties are in the water.
. At your first opportunity, swim across the beachfront until you are free of the rip current.
. Then use the incoming waves to get back to shore.
. Where NSRI pink buoys are stationed along the beach, bystanders should throw a pink buoy towards the casualty(ies) in the water.
Parents must ensure that their children have responsible adult supervision in and around water.
The emergency numbers for the NSRI are 112 or 087 094 9774.
