Summer safety at our beaches

SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - Sea Rescue is launching an emergency floatation campaign using pink torpedo buoys.

These brightly coloured rescue devises are being placed at high risk areas along local beaches. Especially where there are rip currents and no lifeguards on duty.

The buoys are attached to sign boards with simple usage instructions.

These devices should be thrown to a person in need and untrained people should not enter the water to assist someone in trouble.

The buoy project needs the support of the community. The buoys should only be removed from the holder in an emergency and will be replaced afterwards.

The idea behind the project is to get emergency flotation to someone who is in danger while calling for professional help.

Two telephone numbers are on the board.

Each pink torpedo buoy sign also has a location number so that bystanders can tell Sea Rescue volunteers exactly where they are.

Ideally every piece of water that is used for recreation should have an emergency floatation device. NSRI Station 23 (Wilderness) have prioritised 16 positions for the buoys ranging from east of Cola beach in Sedgefield all the way to Herold’s Bay.

These are being installed this week.

The cost of the buoy and the sign is R1 400.

This excludes the pole and putting it in place. You can donate to this project by clicking here. http://www.nsri.org.za/ways-to-support-us/give-a-donation/

Water Safety Tips:

Only swim when lifeguards are on duty
Lifeguards are on duty at selected beaches between 10:00 and 18:00 on weekends and during the week over the summer school holidays. Listen to their advice. If lifeguards are not on duty do not swim.

Swim between the lifeguard flags
Teach children that if they swim between the lifeguard flags the lifeguards will watch them and can help if there is a problem. Lifeguards watch swimmers very carefully between the flags – just wave an arm if you need help.

Don’t drink and drown
Alcohol and water do not mix. Never drink alcohol and then go swimming.

Never swim alone
If you are with a friend while swimming there is someone who can call for help if you need it.

Adult supervision is vital
Adults who are supervising children in or near water must be able to swim. This is vital if it is at a water body that does not have lifeguards on duty.

It is extremely dangerous to get into the water to rescue someone. Rather throw something that floats to the person in difficulty and call for help.

Sea Rescue Wilderness can be reached on 082 990 5955. Save this number on your phone.

You can also call 112 from any cell phone.

Know how to survive rip currents
If you swim between the lifeguard flags they will make sure that you are safe and well away from rip currents. If for some reason this is not possible do not swim. Educate yourself about rip currents by clicking here http://www.nsri.org.za/2017/01/beware-of-rip-currents/.

Don’t attempt a rescue yourself
Call a lifeguard or the NSRI for help. If you see someone in difficulty call a lifeguard at once or dial the nearest Sea Rescue station from your cell phone (dial 112). Also do not let children use floating objects, toys or tire tubes at the beach or on dams

One can very quickly get blown from the shore and as much fun these devices are, it is easy to fall off.

Do not be distracted by your cell phone or social media
While you are looking after children in or near water you need to focus on them and nothing else.

Adults who are supervising children should not be distracted or use their cell phone.

It is not possible to concentrate on children in the water and be on your phone at the same time.

Beware when storing water
Be aware when storing water during the drought. Store water in safe containers with lids or safety covers.

A small child does not have the strength to lift themselves out of a bucket of water and if they fall into a bucket they will drown.

At home make sure that your pool has a child safe pool cover or net and an approved fence that has a double locking gate and can’t be climbed by small children.

Other Sea Rescue contact numbers in the Garden Route