31 drowned in December - NSRI
2006-01-02 11:57
Cape Town - Heightened awareness and inclement weather in Cape Town and Durban have led to fewer call-outs for the National Sea Rescue Institute in 2005 than the previous year.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said on Monday that in 2005, between December 1 and December 31, life savers responded to 92 emergencies compared to 116 last year.
During this period, 31 drownings were reported around the country.
"We are under the impression that there were more last year, but can't confirm it because the statistics aren't available now."
Lambinon said strong winds in Cape Town and an overcast Durban during December seemed to thin out the throngs who usually descended on to the beaches.
This was coupled with heightened awareness, highlighted by the media, and which conveyed a safety message to those launching craft as well as to bathers.
Lambinon said NSRI staff were still keeping a watchful eye on beaches because this time of year was traditionally the busiest for rescues.
- SAPA