NSRI Urges Extreme Caution for Boaters on Hartbeespoort Dam
GAUTENG - The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is urging members of the public to carefully consider launching boats or other craft onto Hartbeespoort Dam at this time, due to extensive water hyacinth coverage that presents serious and growing safety hazards. The floating mass of hyacinth currently covers large areas of the dam. It is expected to increase rapidly in the coming weeks. Hyacinth growth at Hartbeespoort typically accelerates during the summer season, and changes in wind direction are causing these thick mats to move swiftly and unpredictably across the water. This creates extremely hazardous conditions for watercraft. “We are asking the public to carefully consider whether it is safe to go out on the water,” said Arthur Crewe, NSRI Hartbeespoort Station Commander. “If your craft becomes trapped in the hyacinth, the rescue options are limited. Even our rescue vessels suffer damage attempting to get through, and in some cases, rescues are extremely challengin...