Multiple Ongoing Search Operations as NSRI Appeals for Water Safety

The South African Police Service, Police Search and Rescue, assisted by Metro Police Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, and, at times, lifeguards, emergency services, municipal authorities, and the NSRI, are continuing their search efforts along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.

Persons remain missing following drowning incidents at Pennington Beach, Hibberdene, Umkomaas, Durban, Ballito, King Catshwayo, and St Lucia. Search efforts are also ongoing where persons remain missing following drowning incidents at Glen Gariff, East London, and at Blue Water Bay, Gqeberha.

Thoughts and care are with the families and friends of the missing persons, and all those involved, during this difficult time.

Where missing persons are located and recovered, the police will coordinate with families for formal identification.

NSRI, Police, emergency services, and lifeguards are appealing to the public to exercise caution during the current full-moon spring tide phase, when rip currents and sea conditions can be stronger than usual.

Members of the public are urged to:

• Only swim at beaches protected by lifeguards

• Be cautious and exercise safety on inland waters

• Avoid consuming alcohol before or while swimming

• Ensure children are under responsible adult supervision in and around water

Anyone launching any kind of craft onto water is urged to wear a lifejacket and to download and use the NSRI SafeTRX smartphone application.