NSRI cautions public to be safe as drowning incidents increase
With the holiday season upon us, it says there have already been a few fatal drownings.
JOHANNESBURG - The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is urging the public to be cautious as it has seen an increase in drowning incidents.
South Africa has an average of 1,477 fatal drownings per year
And with the holiday season upon us, it says there have already been a few fatal drownings.
The institute says people must be careful when close to rivers, swimming pools and coastal areas.
NSRI’s spokesperson Andrew Ingram expanded on the warning: “It’s really important not to drink alcohol and go into the water. Swimming, wading or boating after consuming alcohol puts your life at significant risk. Drowning is silent, parents and caregivers should watch their children in or near water as they will not be splashing or call for help if the child is in danger of drowning.”
Ingrams shared what one should do in an emergency: “If you are at the beach where lifeguards are on duty, call a lifeguard if you think that anything is wrong. If there’s no lifeguard or emergency services around you, 112 is the emergency number to dial from your cellphone.”