PLETTENBERG BAY - The NSRI in Plettenberg Bay has issued an appeal to water sport enthusiasts to exercise caution when engaging in water-based activity, following a scare involving a paddler in a sea kyak offshore of the Beacon Island Hotel on Monday 24 April.

Jaco Kruger, NSRI Plettenberg Bay station commander, heaped praise on an eyewitness and “our dedicated Coast Watcher team” for their swift action, following the reports of the paddler appearing to be getting into difficulty.

The eyewitness called the NSRI Emergency Operations centre at about 18:00 on Monday and the Coast Watcher team immediately sprung into action to monitor the situation.

Kruger said the NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew prepared to respond but “fortunately, the paddler was able to make it safely to shore without incident, and no assistance was required”.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind all water sports enthusiasts to exercise caution and to ensure that all necessary safety precautions are taken when engaging in any water-based activity,” said Kruger.

He also commended the eyewitness for showing vigilance and urged members of the public to report any concerns about water safety to the NSRI without delay.

“We extend our gratitude to our dedicated team of Coast Watchers, whose tireless efforts in monitoring our coastline help to ensure the safety of all those who enjoy our beautiful waters. We also commend our NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty controllers for the prompt response in the co-ordination during this incident,” said Kruger.

In the light of recent incidents, he appealed to all boaters, paddlers, sailors and water sports enthusiasts to take advantage of the NSRI's smartphone app to enhance their safety while on the water.

“We urge all in-shore seafarers to download the NSRI RSA SafeTrx application https://www.nsri.org.za/water-safety/safetrx/ and to use it every time they venture out onto the water,” he said.

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