NATIONAL NEWS - Craig Lambinon, spokesperson for the NSRI is appealing to everyone to be safety conscious in all activities
Lambinon also gave tips for the festive season:
- Bathers at beaches should only swim where and when lifeguards are on duty. Swim in the section of the surf indicated by lifeguards. Obey the lifeguards for you and your family's safety.
- Beach bathers, shoreline anglers, and coastal hikers at the coast: be aware of two high tides and two low tides around the coast every day. Be aware of rip currents that suck bathers out to sea.
- During the full moon phase and during the new moon phase there is a phenomenon called a spring tide that brings higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides that can cause stronger than normal rip currents.
- Inland bathers at rivers, lakes, dams, and swimming pools: only swim with a floating object for safety and be safe. Don’t venture in too deep and don’t get out of your depth. If you get into trouble in any coastal or at any inland water. Simply stay afloat and don’t panic. Use the air in your lungs for floatation and tread water. Moving your arms and legs in circular movements.
- Parents, always ensure responsible sober adults supervise children while they are swimming.
- Boaters, paddlers, surfers, and sailors: download and always use the NSRI SafeTrx smartphone App when out on the water. Carry and know how to use your safety equipment: a referee whistle, red distress flares, cellphone fully charged in a water-tight plastic sleeve.Have safety top of mind always and let’s all see the new year and 2024 through safely on our South African waters.
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