Heatwave this week- Stay cool and safe
A heatwave advisory forecast by SAWS (South African Weather Service) valid 14/11/2023 10h00 to 15/11/2023 22h00 with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees C up to 40 degrees C affecting the Northern Cape and Western Cape.
This is coinciding with the new moon Spring tide that peaked on Monday 13th November (Spring tide affecting the entire coastline towards the coming weekend)
-Public members and the maritime community are urged to follow the SAWS weather advisory for updates and changes.
-NSRI are appealing to coastal and inland bathers, boaters, paddlers, sail boarders and surfers who intend to cool off in coastal waters, inland rivers, lakes, dams and any body of water to be cautious and to adopt a safety first mindset.
-Do not venture too deep into the water and be aware of strong rip currents.
-Children should be protected by a responsible adult watching over children when they are in, around or near water.
-Stay hydrated, wear a hat, wear sunscreen and seek shade.
-Around the coastline only swim at beaches protected by lifeguards and obey the lifeguards instructions to swim in between the safer demarcated swimming areas.
-Western Cape and Northern Cape Disaster Risk Management, Lifeguards, NSRI and the emergency services are on high alert.
NSRI SAFETY ALERT:
The new moon Spring tide is now at its peak and will last for the remainder of this week into the coming weekend.
NSRI are appealing to everyone to adopt a Safety, Safety, Safety mindset in all activities this summer season.
-Do not drink alcohol and swim.
-Bathers at beaches swim where and when lifeguards are on duty between the lifeguard “safer swimming zone” flags – obey the lifeguards for everyone’s safety.
-Beach bathers, shoreline anglers, and coastal hikers be aware of two high tides and two low tides around the coast every day.
-Be aware of rip currents that can pull swimmers out to sea.
-During full moon and new moon “Spring tide” brings higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides that can cause stronger than normal rip currents.
-Swimmers at rivers, lakes, and dams swim with a floating aid for safety and visibility. (But do not let the floating aid blow you away from the shore in strong winds).
-Don’t venture too far from the shore.
-if you get tired in the water float on your back and don’t panic – fill your lungs with air to aid floatation and stay calm.
-Parents and caregivers ensure that responsible, sober adults supervise children while they are swimming in water or when they are around water.
-Wear bright clothing. (Especially children at the beach).
-Your swimming pool at home should be cloaked in safety.
-Boaters, paddlers and sailors – wear your life-jacket and download and always use NSRI’s free SafeTrx smartphone App when out on the water and know how to use your safety equipment – a referee whistle, red distress flares and cell phone fully charged in a watertight plastic sleeve.
-Always keep a responsible family member or friend updated with where you are going, your expected return time and check in on your safe return.
In an EMERGENCY call: 112 or call NSRI EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE: 0870949774.
Summer season is here. Have Safety, Safety, Safety top of mind always, and LET’S KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE.
Information by the NSRI