Ten drownings in one week as NSRI warns of rising water safety risks
In only one week, at least ten people have drowned or been reported missing across South Africa.
This is according to a statement released by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), which issued a renewed appeal for water safety.
Over a seven-day period from January 25 to February 1, NSRI crews responded to more than 30 rescue incidents nationwide, saving 39 people from potentially fatal situations in both coastal and inland waters.
The incidents occurred across KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape. The NSRI describes this as an alarming pattern of high-risk behaviour, particularly among young people.
“This has been an extremely difficult week,” said NSRI Chief Operating Officer Brett Ayres. “Our crews responded to multiple drownings and non-fatal drowning incidents across the country. Each tragedy is a stark reminder that water activities are never without risk.”
According to the NSRI, many who drowned or went missing were teenagers aged between 14 and 16. Many of the incidents coincided with a full-moon spring tide, which is known to intensify rip currents and tidal flows.
“Rip currents are fast, narrow channels of water that pull swimmers away from the shore,” explained NSRI Communications Manager Andrew Ingram. “They are difficult to recognise and extremely dangerous, particularly during spring tides like those experienced last week.”
While several of the fatalities occurred along the coastline, the NSRI confirmed that not all drownings took place in the ocean. One fatal incident occurred in a dam on Table Mountain, while another was reported at Kanana Dam near Rustenburg.
“The two drownings in dams are a painful reminder that inland water can be just as hazardous, even when it looks calm and shallow,” Ingram said.
Despite the loss of life, emergency responders, volunteers, and members of the public prevented further tragedy through swift action and the use of safety equipment. Among the rescues was a mass operation at Kleinmond Main Beach, where nine people, including teenagers and parents, were saved after being swept out by rip currents using NSRI Pink Rescue Buoys.
Additional rescues included a woman swept off rocks near Gordon’s Bay, the medical evacuation of two seafarers off the coast of Richards Bay, and assistance to kayakers and small-craft operators affected by capsizes or mechanical failures.
“These rescues underline how critical flotation devices, early calls for help and coordinated responses are in saving lives,” said Ingram. “Good Samaritans, lifeguards and our volunteer crews all played key roles.”
In response to the week’s events, the NSRI has urged the public to exercise caution around all forms of water and to follow basic safety measures, including avoiding alcohol before swimming, choosing beaches with lifeguards on duty, closely supervising children and teenagers, and using flotation devices when attempting rescues.
“Summer is far from over,” Ayres said. “As people continue to enjoy South Africa’s coastline and inland waters, safety must remain everyone’s responsibility.”
IOL