Bathers and boat users warned to be extra cautious when spring high peaks tomorrow
In a statement released on Monday, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) members appeal to the public to only swim at beaches protected by lifeguards, and to only swim at times when lifeguards are on stand-by.
“NSRI, lifeguards, maritime authorities, emergency services, emergency medical services, fire and rescue services, police, traffic, and law enforcement are on high alert to assist during the summer vacation period and we are urging the public to have a safety-conscious mindset in and around coastal and inland waterways.”
According to the statement, the next Spring Tide is on Thursday, December 12 at the full moon. The higher than normal high tides and the lower than normal low tides had already started around the coast and would peak tomorrow.
“It will last until at least around December 17, and caution around the coast is advised to bathers, anglers, and coastal hikers.”
The statement reminded boaters and paddlers of craft launching to go to sea to download the free
cellphone app NSRI RSA SafeTrx from the web page www.searescue.org.za and also appealed to parents and care providers to ensure children have responsible safety supervision in and around the water.
Pink Rescue Buoy use J to thwart fatal drowning Ross Badenhorst, NSRI Plett deputy station commander, said: “At 4:58 on Friday, December 6, our duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Central Beach.”
But when the Station 14 rescue swimmers arrived on the scene, no persons in difficulty could be found.
“On investigation it was confirmed that a male bystander had used an NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy, stationed at Central Beach, to assist a man who had been in difficulty in the surf line and both were safe out the water.
“We commend the bystander who went into the surf to assist, as well as those who used the information on the rescue buoy signboard to raise the alarm,” he said.
Another alarm was raised mere hours later on the same morning at 7:11 am.
“NSRI rescuers were on the scene for the initial call when a surfer was spotted by fishermen in difficulty in the surf at The Gap on Robberg Peninsula, in heavy six-foot swells and appearing to be attempting to paddle out of danger but caught in rip currents,” Badenhorst explained.
The sea rescue craft Free Runner was launched and reached the surfer – a local 22-year-old male – 700 metres off-shore. He was taken on board and brought safely to shore, where no further assistance was required.