Can you believe it? 2025 is almost over, and the weather is definitely reminding us that summer is here in full force!
With sunny skies and beach-perfect conditions, it’s tempting to spend all day outdoors. But, the South African Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for parts of the Western and Northern Cape, so it’s important to stay aware.
This kind of heat can really catch you off guard, so let’s take it seriously and look out for ourselves, kids, the elderly, anyone exercising outdoors, and even our pets.
If you’re sweating a lot, add electrolytes.
Be alert to signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially in children and older adults
Wear hats, UV-protective clothing, and sunglasses
- Never swim alone
- Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol
- Know your limitations and capabilities
- Always supervise children. Remember: Drowning is silent; never take your eyes off children near water, and avoid distractions like mobile phones
- Swim where lifeguards are on duty. Overstrand lifeguards will be on duty daily between 09:00 and 18:00 until mid-January 2026
- If caught in a rip current, float, signal for help, and swim sideways instead of directly against the current.
Overstrand’s Blue Flag beaches are operational from December 2025 until mid-January 2026, with lifeguards, clean ablutions, and safety signage in place.
Dogs and other pets are not allowed while the Blue Flags are flying. WESSA Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa conducts regular inspections, and sites that fail to maintain standards risk losing their accreditation – a measure that preserves the program’s global credibility.
Save emergency numbers:
- Hermanus NSRI: 082 990 5967
- Kleinmond NSRI: 063 699 2765
- National Emergency Number: 112
- Overstrand Fire & Rescue: 028 312 2400
