Holiday-season drownings are a reality in Cape Town, and tragically one of the first incidents was recorded at Camps Bay on Monday evening.
The deceased, a 21-year old man, along with two friends who survived, were swept out to sea from rip currents at Kessels Rocks in Camps Bay – the rocky outcrop between Glen and Camps Bay beaches.
The NSRI released a statement late yesterday to inform the public about the tragic drowning.
Shortly after 6pm, NSRI Bakoven duty crew were alerted following reports of a swimmer suspected to be in difficulty in the surf between Glen Beach and Camps Bay Beach. On arrival at the scene, members of the public were trying to rescue a man from the surf who was caught in a rip current.
Caleb and Cheyne Bjergveld, Kevin Rowe, along with two other bystanders and a man on a bodyboard tried to assist, while Jaco Steyn initiated CPR. They were all commended for their efforts.
Despite extensive CPR efforts, the man was declared dead.
Police are assisting family and have opened an inquest docket. Condolences are conveyed to family and friends of the deceased.
Beachgoers are advised to take note of warning signs at beaches and to swim in designated areas only.
Photography HSM Images