Drowning incidents are known to increase over the festive period, and on Wednesday, January 1, the National Sea Rescue Institute’s (NSRI) Kleinmond duty crew was activated after a request from South African Police Services (SAPS).
SAPS was alerted to a man who had to be rescued from the surf at Betty’s Bay Main Beach, and in turn, alerted the NSRI. A ‘Good Samaritan’ had rescued the man from the waves and had started CPR efforts.
NSRI Kleinmond duty crew, CMC ambulance services and WC Government Health EMS responded to join Police on the scene.
“On our arrival on the scene we 3 found private doctors, who are separately on holiday in the area and happened to be there at the time, performing CPR on a male aged 20, from Strand, and who had been rescued from the water by a Good Samaritan after reportedly being swept out to sea by rip currents while swimming,” the NSRI said in a statement. “Police have opened an inquest docket and the body of the man has been taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.”
“On behalf of all emergency services involved our Condolences are conveyed to family and friends of the deceased man.”
Also in Betty’s Bay, a 28-year-old Moroccan man was treated for non-fatal drowning symptoms by the NSRI and is said to be making a full recovery thereafter.
Meanwhile, at the Kleinmond Lagoon Western Cape Government Health EMS and CMC ambulance services responded after lifeguards rescued a six-year-old from drowning.
“NSRI and paramedics joined lifeguards treating the child for non-fatal drowning symptoms and the child, from Crossroads, in Cape Town, has been transported to hospital by ambulance in a serious but stable condition,” the NSRI said.
The NSRI Kleinmond duty crew rescued a seal pup that was found by members of the public trapped amongst rocks near to Kleinmond harbour on January 1 as well. Using blankets, NSRI crew were able to free the seal pup from the entrapment. The seal pup was released back to the sea and swam away confidently.
Picture: Pam Golding Properties