The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has urged holidaymakers to prioritise water safety as the summer school holidays begin, warning of a spike in emergency incidents involving children and families at beaches, rivers, dams and swimming pools. NSRI Communications Manager Andrew Ingram said crews had responded to a sharp increase in call-outs over the past three weeks, including 13 calls from swimmers in trouble, seven of whom drowned. “A combination of public vigilance, lifeguard services and community collaboration continues to save lives every day,” said Ingram.
He added that the organisation’s Pink Rescue Buoys remain one of their most effective tools. “Pink Rescue Buoys have now been used in 230 rescues that we know of. The most recent was for a father and daughter at Brenton-on-Sea, near Knysna. The impact of emergency flotation cannot be overstated.” Ingram said the festive season often brings increased risk as families relax near water, and urged communities to stay alert, avoid alcohol when swimming or boating, and ensure children are always closely supervised.
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