MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) wishes everyone a safe season.
Remember these NSRI safety tips during the holidays, especially when in or near water:
Alcohol and swimming or boating
Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating, as alcohol consumption while engaging in these activities puts your life at significant risk.
When consuming alcohol and supervising children near water, your attention is compromised.
We do not drink and drive; the same dangers apply to going into water and alcohol.
Supervision of children
Parents/caregivers should watch their children in or near water.
A drowning can occur when you are distracted by your phone or decide to take a call. Be alert.
Drowning is silent. If they are having difficulty, there will be no splashing or call for help.
When in the water, an adult should be within arm's reach of their child.
It is safest to swim in areas where lifeguards patrol.
Dangerous currents and lifeguarded beaches
Swimming between lifeguard flags is safest.
Lifeguards can keep you safe between their flags.
If you get caught in a current, do not panic; float and swim to the side (out of the current) before trying to swim back to the beach.
If you see someone who needs help, call a lifeguard or call the NSRI.
You should only go into the water to try to help someone with floatation. A pink rescue buoy or surfboard is a good example.
Know your emergency numbers
112 is the general emergency number in South Africa and a free call.
If you dial 112, you can ask to be put through to the police, ambulance, fire and rescue or NSRI/sea rescue.
087 094 9774 is the National Sea Rescue Institute's Emergency Operations Centre direct line.
Any NSRI resource in the country can be activated from this centre.
Save your local emergency numbers in your phone before you need them.
If you suddenly need an emergency number you have not saved – Google it.
Wear a lifejacket
NSRI volunteers always wear lifejackets on the water in their rescue boats, as should you.
If you unexpectedly land in the water and become too tired or cold, you may no longer be able to stay afloat. A lifejacket will save your life.
Choose a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or lifejacket that suits your activity on the water.
Learn Survival Swimming
NSRI Survival Swimming teaches you to hold your breath, open your eyes in the water (to orient yourself so you know which way to swim), float, and move a short distance through the water.
If you suddenly find yourself out of your depth and can float, you can return to safety.
Learn bystander CPR
If a person is not breathing, call for help.
Push hard and fast in the centre of their chest (100 – 120 chest compressions per minute).
Keep going until professional help arrives, or you are too tired to continue.
Please visit www.nsri.org.za for more information, or call the NSRI emergency number (087 094 9774).
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