A total of 22 deaths from water related accidents and drowning accidents around the South African coast have been recorded since the beginning of 2012. This figure does not include 4 people reportedly still missing from flood related incidents in Kwa-Zulu Natal and does not include 3 people who died following a boating accident at Bronkhorspruit.
While official statistics are kept by the Medical Research Council NSRI can confirm that of these 22 deaths a total of 6 persons are still missing, who were presumed to have drowned, around the coast.
NSRI fear that this figure will increase as holiday makers and learners make the most of their last days of the holidays in the peak of the full moon spring tide which causes the strongest rip currents to prevail and will last until later this week and bathers and boaters are urged to exercise extreme caution.
The Algoa Bay NSRI contact details can be found HERE.
Another phone number essential to have programmed in your phone for coastal or inland emergencies is the National Emergency Medical and Rescue toll free number 10177 which can be called from any phone to activate the medical or rescue emergency services.
