We, the countries in the Southern Hemisphere, are blessed with a hot festive season filled with long summer days.
This is the time when many South Africans will be flocking to our scenic beaches, to surf and swim and enjoy the holiday season with loved one.
But a tragedy like drowning can happen in an instant, which is why bodies such as the the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) are on high alert.
Every year, beachgoers drown in South African seas during the festive season. Lifesaving South Africa offers the following tips for you to keep in mind when going to the beach.
Identify your nearest lifeguard
Knowing who and where the lifeguard is at all times is important, especially for those who can’t swim. Lifeguards are there not just to save people from drowning but to make the beach a safer space from anything and anyone who poses a threat to beachgoers.
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Children should be supervised, always
Children are the most vulnerable group at the beach and can get lost easily. Children also don’t always remember rules as easily as adults, so they won’t remember where they aren't allowed to swim.
Only swim when there is a lifeguard on standby
Lifeguards are there for emergency services like CPR or calling the ambulance, when things go wrong. So even if you can swim, always make sure there is a lifeguard first.
Swim between the red and yellow flags, as those are the safest swimming zones identified by lifeguards
Following the rules and guidelines is what saves lives. This is because lifeguards can’t be in multiple places at once, should there be a drowning, because people didn’t swim within the red and yellow flags.
No drinking
The beach is not the place for alcohol. With children running around, broken glass is another safety hazard. Swimming while drunk is, of course, out of the question.
No swimming after a meal
Swimming or any exercise immediately after a meal will cause cramps, which is dangerous while swimming because it inhibits your ability to focus on the actual swimming, and that could lead to drowning.
Learn how to spot a rip tide
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water. They can move faster than an Olympic swimmer and lifeguards spend most of their time saving people who get caught up in them.
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Always have a full phone battery
There aren’t enough lifeguards in SA, the ones that exist have their hands full. Should you need assistance from the police or medical attention, one of the best ways to get you the help you need quickly is having a phone that is fully charged that has data and airtime.
