Johannesburg - Following the high number of drowning incidents since the start of December, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) on Wednesday urged holidaymakers to exercise extra caution when swimming this summer.
“Holidaymakers must exercise caution around our coast, on inland waters and at swimming pools this summer... We appeal for special caution when bathing, paddling, boating, angling and surfing,” NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said in a statement.
Twenty people - including adults and children - have drowned since the star of December. This is according to reports that Sapa received from paramedics, police and rescue services over this period.
Lambinon said recent statistics by the Medical Research Council indicated that children between the ages of five and 14 were at greatest risk of drowning accidents.
“Children should have responsible adult supervision around swimming pools, dams, rivers, lagoons and the coast at all times,” he said.
He added that the South African coastline experienced “extremely strong” rip-currents throughout the year.
“Never turn your back on the sea... Rip-currents are the greatest cause of drowning accidents around our coastline. The spring tide at new moon and again at full moon, twice every month, bring the strongest rip currents and bathers and anglers should exercise extreme caution during the spring tide.”
Bathers were also urged to swim only where lifeguards are on duty.
“Identify where the lifeguards are on the beach. Swim only between the safe swimming zones posted by lifeguards, using red and yellow flags, on the beach each day.”
Anglers should wear life-jackets while angling, Lambinon said, as there was “the ever present risk of being swept off rocks by waves”.
Alcohol consumption should also be avoided when going boating or swimming. - Sapa