Sea Rescue – National – 06 April, 2011: Safety Advisory:NSRI is appealing to bathers and boaters to exercise caution during this school vacation.A New Moon Spring Tide, which peaked on the 3rd of April, brings stronger than normal rip-currents with it. Warm weather is expected over this weekend and coupled with an expected influx of holiday makers to the coast we urge people to be careful.Please take into account, as we approach the Winter, sea conditions worsen fast. And although warm weather may give the appearance of calm seas, this can change very fast at this time of year.Children should have responsible adult supervision around water at all times.Bathers at the coast should not go in too deep and should be aware of rip-currents.If you are caught in a rip-current don't panic. Go with the current and don't swim towards shore as this will only cause exhaustion. At the first opportunity swim parallel to the shoreline until you are free of the rip current and then use the incoming waves to swim to shore.Bathers on dams, rivers and lakes should not swim out too far.Boaters and paddlers should wear life-jackets at all times on water. Carry safety equipment – red distress flares; a signaling mirror or CD disc; a referees whistle; communications device (a cell-phone or vhf hand-held radio) in watertight sleeves.Let a responsible person know the time that you are leaving, your exact route and your estimated return time. Stick to your plans and have a safety plan prepared with your 'responsible person' in case you don't return on time as planned.Have your nearest Sea Rescue Emergency phone number in your phone at all times. To find out your nearest Sea Rescue Emergency phone number go to http://goo.gl/c3uMb
