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.

In the light of this the NSRI rges recreational bathers and boaters to exercise extreme caution – particulalry as this week is the peak of the full moon spring tide which causes the strongest rip currents to prevail. This situation will last until later this week.

The NSRI in its official release says the total number of deaths reported 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.

The NSRI fears that this figure will increase as holiday makers and learners make the most of their last days of the holidays.

NSRI urges people living around the coast or those visiting the coast to find out what their nearest sea rescue emergency phone number is by visiting our web page http://www.nsri.org.za or call NSRI during office hours at 021-4344011 to find out what the sea rescue emergency number is for their area. The St Francis Bay numbers are: 082990 5969; 042 294 0131.

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.