Stay safe this summer: Water safety tips from the NSRI

As the festive season approaches, we look forward to sunny days and time spent by the water. However, the National Sea Rescue Institute reminds us that enjoying the water safely requires vigilance.

Here’s how you can protect yourself and your loved ones this summer.

1. Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating

The risks of alcohol and water are as severe as drinking and driving. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination, making it dangerous to swim or operate a boat. Moreover, consuming alcohol while supervising children near water divides your attention, increasing the chance of a tragic accident.

2. Supervise children closely

Drowning is silent. Forget the dramatic splashes often portrayed in movies—children slip under the water quietly. Always keep an adult within arm’s reach of children in the water, and never let your guard down to distractions like social media. Lifeguarded beaches offer the safest swimming zones.

3. Know your emergency numbers

Emergencies strike without warning. Save these numbers now:
112 (free emergency call for police, ambulance, fire, or NSRI)
087 094 9774 (NSRI’s direct Emergency Operations Centre line)
If you forget, a quick online search can help but don’t wait until it’s too late.

4. Always wear a lifejacket

A lifejacket isn’t just a safety precaution—it’s a lifesaver. Even strong swimmers can tire or succumb to cold and rough waters unexpectedly. Choose a lifejacket suited to your activity, and wear it whenever you’re on the water.

5. Use the NSRI SafeTRX App

Planning a small craft journey? The free RSA SafeTRX app tracks your course and alerts emergency contacts if you fail to return on time. With features like live location tracking and an emergency button, it’s essential for staying safe at sea.

Click here to download the SafeTRX app.

6. Swim between lifeguard flags

Rip currents are hard to spot but deadly. Lifeguards are trained to identify dangers and assist swimmers, so always stick to lifeguarded areas. If caught in a rip current, don’t panic. Float, swim to the side, and then head back to shore.

7. Respect heavy rainfall and flooding

Summer rains bring the risk of flash floods. Never attempt to cross a fast-flowing river on foot or by car. If you see someone in danger, call for help—do not risk your life trying to save them.

8. Learn survival swimming

Floating and orienting yourself in the water can mean the difference between life and death. The NSRI’s survival swimming lessons equip you with essential skills to get to safety if you find yourself out of your depth.

9. Learn basic CPR

Knowing how to perform bystander CPR could save a life. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute until professional help arrives.

10. Use a kill switch on boats

When boating, always connect the kill switch cord to the driver. It ensures the engine stops if the driver falls overboard, preventing the boat from becoming a runaway hazard.

This summer, let’s enjoy the water responsibly. Following these guidelines can help make the season safer for everyone.