Holidaymakers urged to be cautious

MARTIN Muyenga, founder of Monarch Lifeguard, says he has observed risky activities at Namibian beaches.

Muyenga says children are using empty plastic bottles to keep them afloat, which is dangerous as the bottles could open in deep water.

He urges parents to discuss water safety with their children before visiting the beach.

They should especially focus on the danger of rip currents near beaches, he says.

Those playing beach games should not follow their toys or balls into the water, he says.

Muyenga also warns people not to swim under the influence of alcohol.

“Water is deceiving. It looks safe, but can be dangerous. Avoid getting dragged into the deep water by waves or tides. This especially extends to those who have been faking drowning, which is very dangerous,” he says.

Additionally, Muyenga says broken bottles result in people being cut.

Although no drownings have been reported at the coast thus far, he says the rest of country is experiencing rain and heat waves that attracts people to rivers and dams.

Monarch volunteer lifeguards are on standby all over the country during the festive season.