Safety on Knysna Estuary
Safety on Knysna Estuary – If in doubt about the safety of a person or craft in the lagoon or at sea, contact the NSRI at Knysna 082 990 5956
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) station in Knysna is situated on the eastern side of the Heads, a short distance from the notorious ‘bar’ that have caused the demise of numerous seafarers. The normally tranquil entrance to the lagoon can in certain weathers turn into a sailor’s nightmare.
The Knysna NSRI is equipped to deal with rescue situations at sea as well as within the lagoon, in situations involving windsurfers, kayakers and canoeists, water-skiers, swimmers, divers, fishermen and users of small boats.
Safety hints & Tips
In the interests of visitors as well as those that use the Knysna Lagoon, or leave it to put out to sea, the NSRI in Knysna have issued a list of 10 safety hints:
Non-seagoing craft are MAY not to proceed south of Fountain Point (white beacon at the Heads) on an outgoing tide. Besides being extremely dangerous it is against local regulations for all craft that are not in possession of current seaworthy certificates to proceed south of this point.
Make sure that non-swimmers wear life jackets that are capable of supporting the wearer in the water in a face-up position. It is also advisable to wear a lifejacket at all times when underway on a boat.
Notify somebody responsible on shore of your proposed movements and estimated time of return prior to launching.
Ensure that all seagoing craft comply with the safety requirements and carry all the equipment on board as specified by SAMSA and in local regulations enforced by SANParks.
For your own safety and in terms of local regulations which are enforced by SANParks, no person shall use any vessel in the water area unless the following equipment is on board:
- an efficient, approved life jacket for each person on board sufficient oars to land the vessel;
- a pump or other suitable bailer, unless the vessel design makes this unnecessary
- a suitable rear-view mirror for any boat towing a skier
- an efficient whistle or siren on board
- an efficient fire extinguisher on board motor boats
- when a vessel is used between sunset and sunrise, it must display a white light which is visible in all directions at a distance of at least 200 metres
- Built in tanks to have remote fuel shut off valves
- Vessel to have a suitable anchor rope and chain
- Outboard engines to have suitable alternative steering
Power craft must give way to sail.
Be considerate and reduce speed when passing anchored craft, craft on moorings and craft tied up alongside a jetty (and canoes).
Always keep a sharp lookout for swimmers and divers (divers should display the international code flag “Alpha” – a blue and white flag which signifies “Diver down – keep clear”
A power boat in the hands of an inexperienced user can be very dangerous. Parents are especially implored to ensure that their children are competent in boat handling and be aware of the dangers of allowing then loose on the water on a potentially lethal craft.
Skippers of sea-going craft who are not familiar with local conditions are strongly advised to enquire from local fishermen or the NSRI before putting to sea. In particular they should enquire as to the state of the bars in the Heads which at times are treacherous.