As temperatures rise and the school holidays get underway, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is warning families and holidaymakers to take extra care around South Africa’s beaches, swimming pools, rivers and dams.

The NSRI has already seen an increase in rescue activity along parts of the coastline as more people make the most of warmer weather and spend time in and around the water.

With the Term 3 school holidays now underway, the organisation is urging swimmers, boaters, anglers and families to plan and take simple precautions that could prevent a water-related emergency.

Andrew Ingram, Head of Communication of the NSRI, said: “Summer should be a time to enjoy the water safely, but increased activity along the coastline, dams and rivers can also result in more people getting into difficulty. Many water-related emergencies can be prevented by planning, choosing safer places to swim and supervising children closely.”

Know the water before you get in

The NSRI advises swimmers to use beaches where lifeguards are on duty and to remain between the designated swimming flags.

Beachgoers should also familiarise themselves with rip currents. Anyone caught in a rip should remain calm and avoid swimming directly against the current.

Instead, swimmers should float, raise an arm to attract attention and, when possible, swim parallel to the beach until they are clear of the current. Once out of the rip, incoming waves can help get back to shore.

The NSRI also warns people never to turn their backs on the sea, particularly when standing on rocks or fishing from the shoreline.

For those heading out on boats, kayaks or other craft, a correctly fitted lifejacket should always be worn.

Alcohol should also be avoided before or during swimming and boating. According to the NSRI, alcohol can impair judgement and physical ability, while also compromising a person’s ability to supervise children or others in their care.

Know what to do in an emergency

The NSRI is reminding the public to save important emergency numbers before heading out.

The national emergency number is 112, while the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre can be reached on 087 094 9774.

If someone is in difficulty in the water, members of the public should call a lifeguard or the NSRI rather than entering the water themselves without flotation equipment.

Where possible, a person in difficulty should be given something that floats, such as a Pink Rescue Buoy.

The NSRI also encourages members of the public to learn basic bystander CPR, which can help sustain someone until emergency services arrive.

Children need constant supervision

For parents and caregivers, the NSRI’s message is particularly important: drowning is often silent.

A child who is in difficulty may not be able to splash, wave or call out for help.

The organisation advises adults to actively supervise children whenever they are in or near water and to keep young children within arm’s reach while they are in the water — whether at the beach, in a swimming pool, paddling pool or even during bath time.

The NSRI also advises parents and caregivers to put mobile phones away and avoid other distractions while supervising children.

At busy beaches and other popular holiday destinations, families are encouraged to agree on a meeting point before arriving, should a child become separated from the group.

“Water safety starts before you leave home,” said Ingram.

“Check where lifeguards will be on duty, make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency and save the relevant emergency numbers on your phone. Most importantly, please actively supervise children whenever they are near water.”

With more families expected to head outdoors during the school break, the NSRI is urging the public to enjoy the coastline and inland waterways responsibly — and to make water safety part of every holiday plan.