The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has told the public to think twice before launching boats or other craft onto Hartbeespoort Dam, saying that fast-spreading water hyacinth is creating dangerous conditions and complicating rescue operations.

The NSRI said on Monday that a floating mass of water hyacinth currently covers large areas of the dam and is expected to increase rapidly in the coming weeks as summer growth accelerates.

Changes in wind direction are driving thick mats of the invasive weed swiftly and unpredictably across the water, creating 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 challenging.”

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