Seven teenagers had to be rescued by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Gordon’s Bay crew on Tuesday when a high tide trapped them in a cove. The crew were activated to assist after being alerted by parents of one of the teenagers trapped with six other friends.
The teens made their way to the cove in the afternoon and when the tide came in, found themselves stranded in the cove.
The NSRI’s sea rescue vehicle and rescue swimmers, as well as a GB Med Security ambulance, Cape Town Traffic Department, Law Enforcement and Metro Police responded immediately.
WC Government Health EMS and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services were also placed on alert.
The teenagers, aged 18, three males and four females from Stellenbosch and Paarl were cut off by a high tide that was still showing effects of the recent 9th September peak of the New Moon Spring High Tide. Although the teenagers were safe at the cove, with daylight fading, efforts to get them out safely became a priority.
Their concerned parents arrived on the scene and looked on helplessly.
The NSRI rescue swimmers reached the teenagers using the lull in the incoming waves, utilising timing to wade through chest deep water to reach them. A rope system was then set up and safety equipment was taken to the cove by rescue swimmers.
The teenagers were placed in life jackets and rescue helmets. One by one rescue swimmers waded the teenagers, in relays through the chest deep surf, again timing the incoming waves and using the lull between the wave sets.
Once all teenagers were safely rescued from the cove, they were guided up the trail to the roadway and reunited with their concerned family. They were wrapped in blankets to warm them up..
Residents are urged to be especially cautious during Spring Tide as waves can be unpredictable and dangerous. Locals should also educate their children on the dangers of being near the coast during these times..
Spring Tide causes a coastal higher than normal high tide, a lower than normal low tide and stronger than normal rip currents. It happens during the full moon and during the new moon, and lasts for a few days leading up to the full (or new) moon, peaks on the day of full (or new) moon and lasts for a few days after the full (or new) moon.
No one was injured and no further assistance was required.
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NSRI also recently found a stranded sperm whale on Swartvlei beach and if you want to see a few more majestic whales, check out our wandering whales article.
Pictures: NSRI