Durban — The recovery of the body of a 23-year-old Limpopo man at Clarkes Beach in Ballito on Friday afternoon serves as a solemn reminder of the potent dangers of rip currents. As summer dawns, beachgoers are urged to exercise caution and to respect the power of the ocean.

The young man's disappearance occurred on Monday, November 25. He went missing while swimming in a hazardous surf zone at Eastmore Crescent, uMhlanga.

The recovery was made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of the South African Police Service, KwaDukuza lifeguards, and various rescue organisations, including the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), who spent days combing the coastlines for any trace of the missing swimmer.

The incident has once again raised awareness about the perilous nature of rip currents, which pose a significant threat to beachgoers all year round. Andrew Ingram, the drowning prevention manager at NSRI, emphasised the importance of understanding these powerful forces of nature.

"Rip currents account for an average of 56 drownings in South Africa each year," he stated.

"They don't pull swimmers under, but they can quickly drag people away from the shore, leading to panic, exhaustion, and potentially drowning."

Rip currents typically develop when wind and waves push water towards the shore. This excess water then seeks to return to the ocean through channels in sandbars or reefs, creating fast-moving currents that can reach speeds of up to three metres per second. With the ability to move faster than an Olympic swimmer, these currents can turn any day at the beach into a life-threatening situation.

Visual cues can help identify rip currents: darker water, gaps between breaking waves, and disturbed surfaces in otherwise calm waters are all telling signs of a rip current. Onlookers are urged to remain vigilant and always swim at beaches with lifeguards present.

What to do when caught in a rip current:

Stay calm. Panic can lead to exhaustion, so conserving energy is essential;
Swim parallel to the shore: Instead of fighting against the current, swim sideways to escape its grip; and
Signal for help: Raise your arm and shout for assistance if needed.
The community is encouraged to utilise only lifeguarded beaches, as these trained professionals can significantly improve safety. Those caught in a rip current should remember the vital advice to float and swim sideways to find a way back to safety.

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Daily News