INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS
The NSRI conducting a search. Photo: Henk Kruger
Mickey Mouse crashed into the sea in Cape Town on Tuesday.
But the sighting was a case of mistaken identity as National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Hout Bay volunteers and paramedics discovered when they rushed to save a hang-glider reported to have plunged into the sea.
What they found was a Mickey Mouse balloon stranded on the rocks.
On Tuesday, a Llandudno resident alerted sea rescue officials after reportedly spotting a hang-glider parachute plummet into the water at Logies Bay.
NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon said a rescue craft was sent out while the Metro EMS and Metro Red Cross AMS rescue helicopter were placed on high alert.
“The witness also reported seeing what appeared to be the hang-glider survivor slowly swimming ashore and then lying motionless on the rocks.
“The team searched the location of the ‘emergency’ after negotiating some barely accessible terrain, only to find a large party balloon, in the shape of Mickey Mouse, lying on the rocks,” explained Lambinon.
He said the afternoon sun had probably created a silhouette against the balloon but despite the false alarm the resident should be commended for reporting what could well have been a real person whose life was in danger.
Meanwhile, the NSRI has urged beachgoers and anyone out at sea to exercise extreme caution and remain safe during the holiday season.
Every year accidents occur around waterways and inland, therefore safety measures have to be adhered to in order to curb these incidents, said Lambinon.
The NSRI has provided safety tips for sea users, which include:
* Do not drink alcohol before entering the water.
* If caught in a rip current, do not panic. Try to swim against it rather treading water by moving your arms and legs in circular movements to stay afloat.
* Swim only when there are lifeguards on duty and remain within demarcated swimming zones marked by red and yellow flags.
* Always take all necessary safety equipment on board in case there is an emergency, and as preparation in the event of weather conditions worsening.
Safety equipment should include life jackets, red distress flares, a whistle and a waterproof torch.
*Inform people of your travel plans.
* All communication devices with fully charged batteries should be stored in watertight plastic sleeves.
* Keep hydrated and wear brightly coloured gear, a hat and sunscreen.
According to statistics gathered by the Medical Research Council, the largest number of drowning incidents occur among children aged five to 14 in swimming pools, rivers, lakes and dams.
*To find out your nearest NSRI emergency number, contact 021 434 4011. Any incident can be reported by dialling 10177. – Cape Argus
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NSRI ‘saves’ Mickey Mouse