NSRI concerned by sharp rise in water emergencies

The National Sea Rescue Institute says it’s concerned with the spike in sea rescue incidents this past week.

Several children were caught in rip currents in separate incidents at Cape Town beaches this past week.

The most recent incident saw two children fall off of their flotation device, requiring assistance from adults and NSRI teams.

NSRI spokesperson Andrew Ingram has warned that drowning is silent and can happen in seconds, urging parents and caregivers to provide constant supervision.

He added that the incidents highlight the importance of reinforcing water safety and teaching children how to stay safe in and around water.

"When the beaches are so busy at this time of the year, it's very easy to lose sight of your children. So please, when they're moving away from where you're sitting on the beach, be close to them and watch them carefully," said Ingram.