Jeffreys Bay is world renowned for right hand break surfing, especially during the winter months.  During the summer period our Beaches are also filled with holiday makers as well as locals, enjoying a vast range of different coastal slopes from Paradise Beach to Kabeljouws.

For all visitors to the Beach, it is important to consider a few Safety tips relating to swimming, children on the beach and rip currents.

6 helpful tips:

1. Swim at a beach that is patrolled by lifeguards.
2. Follow their safety guides. Swim in the area that has been sectioned off by lifeguard flags. These are the safest areas to swim.
3. Don’t leave children unsupervised.
4. Don’t go into the sea if you had alcohol to drink.
5. Avoid swimming alone.
6. If you are in trouble while in the sea, stay calm, raise your hand and shout help. Once the lifeguard is with you, follow his or her advise.

4 things to know when going near water with children

1. Contrary to popular belief children do not thrash around and shout for help when they are drowning. They may be able to wave and shout for help when in distress, but drowning is usually a completely silent event.
2. Fast flowing rivers are a dangerous place for children to play near and should not be crossed.
3. Whenever setting out on a boat always put a personal floatation device (lifejacket) on your children before you launch. It is extremely difficult to put a lifejacket on once you are in the water.
4. Make sure that you, as the responsible adult in the boat, have a cell phone with a fully charged battery in a waterproof pouch, a cd or mirror and a referees whistle to signal with. These should be attached to your lifejacket and not in a cupboard or locker. Make sure to check your safety equipment and practice using it before you need to.

This infographic below shares valuable information about rip currents and what to do if you’re caught in one.

The NSRI has the following guideline to follow if you’re caught in a rip current:

If avoidance fails: If you are caught in a rip current the primary thing to do is to remain calm. You are not going to win a fight with the ocean.  Swim slowly and conservatively parallel to the shoreline or relax and let it carry you out past the breakers until it slacks.

Contrary to myth – rip currents are not “undertow,” which a misleading term.  They will not pull you under the water.  So long as you can tread water or float you will be safe until you can escape the flow and head back to the beach.  When you head back in, do so at an angle to the shoreline.  Again, maintain a slow and relaxed pace until you reach the shore or assistance arrives.  If you are swimming at a beach where lifesavers are on duty – and you should be – they will most likely have seen you and will be on their way out to help (or be watching carefully).

For more detailed info on Rip Currents, visit the NSRI site here