Durban — After three people died and 17 were left injured when a freak wave dragged swimmers out to sea, the eThekwini Municipality has issued 13 safety tips.
The municipality said that as people are enjoying themselves at the beaches, it appeals to visitors and residents to work with lifeguards and law enforcement to ensure a safe festive season.
Here are the safety tips provided by the municipality:
- Always listen to lifeguards’ instructions.
- Enter the water feet first. (Never dive into shallow water.)
- Never swim alone. Always have a buddy.
- Make sure that lifeguards can see you when you're in the water.
- Stay in designated areas with lifeguards present.
- When stung by blue bottles or jellyfish, always approach the lifeguard.
- When in trouble, do not panic, raise your hand to attract the lifeguards' attention.
- If you see someone in trouble in the sea, alert the lifeguards or find help.
- Know how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Do not swim under the influence of alcohol.
- Be cautious of weather hazards.
- Look out for the beach safety signs.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags.
On Saturday evening, the municipality confirmed that three people died, including a teenager, and 17 others were left injured who were swept out to sea by rip currents at a Durban North beach.
“It took a team of 35 lifeguards to execute a mass rescue effort and another team of paramedics to attend to the more than 100 people who were involved in the incident. Despite the best efforts of the emergency response team, three people lost their lives, with others transported to the hospital,” municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said.
“The municipality is saddened by the tragedy and sends its condolences to the families of the deceased.”
Reacting to the safety tips, this is what people said on Facebook:
Liz Jackson said: “Appeals don't work if people are already breaking the law and ignoring lifeguards. Our hero lifeguards need the support of the city to ensure tragedies like yesterday’s (Saturday) don't happen. The city is responsible for this.”
Mandy Hawkins said: “For a start put an end to drinking in public! Ban alcohol on the beaches! That’s how it should be!! Enforce your own by-laws!”
Jonathan Smith said: “One more important public warning: Do NOT under any circumstances enter the sea unless you are a competent swimmer and have a full understanding of wave action, rip currents and side washes. Rather splash around and cool off in the many paddling pools on the beachfront -- or are they still empty?”
Daily News