MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The NSRI is urging the public to be cautious around all coastal and inland waters and swimming pools over the festive season.

Parents should make sure their children have responsible adult supervision at the water.

"We are urging the public to prepare, with a safety-conscious mindset, before venturing to the beach, swimming pools, lagoons, lakes, rivers and dams."

Basic water safety tips from the NSRI are:

1. Children should have responsible adult supervision when in or near water.

2. Swim at beaches where and when lifeguards are on duty and swim between their flags.

3. Don't drink alcohol before you swim

4. Never swim alone. Swim in groups.

5. Swimming pool fences and a child safety pool cover or net is vital at home swimming pools.

6. Know how to survive rip currents.

7. Don't attempt a rescue yourself.

8. Do not let children use floating objects, toys or tyre tubes at the beach or on dams. as they may cause you to be blown to deep water by winds.

9. Do not be distracted by your cellphone.

10. Wear lifejackets when you are on a boat.

11. If your boat has a kill switch always wear it.

12. Paddlers and boaters should have the NSRI free RSA App Safetrx cellphone app downloaded and use it.

13. Wear bright clothing.

14. Rock anglers should wear lifejackets.

15. Have local emergency numbers programmed into your phone.

16. Do not dive into water.

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