A nine-year-old boy died after being found underwater at Kleinmond Main Beach Lagoon on Saturday afternoon.

Despite extensive efforts by bystanders and emergency responders to resuscitate him, the boy died from drowning, police confirmed.

On Saturday 10 October at 15:12, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Kleinmond duty crew was activated, following eyewitness reports of a drowning in progress.

According to NSRI Kleinmond station commander Schalk Boonzaaier, bystanders were already recovering the child from the water when rescuers arrived.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) had been started by bystanders, including a clinical practitioner.

The boy, who was local and visiting the beach with his family, received further resuscitation efforts from NSRI medics and responding paramedics.

However, despite extensive attempts to revive him, he was declared dead at the scene.

NSRI Kleinmond rescue swimmers and medics responded alongside CMC Critical Care Medical and ER24 ambulance services, Overstrand Fire and Rescue Service and the police.

The minor’s body was handed over to police and the Government Health Forensic Pathology Service.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

Boonzaaier conveyed his condolences to the family following the tragedy.

Previous incidents at Kleinmond Lagoon have once again highlighted the safety of swimmers.

On 2 December 2025 a local seven-year-old boy suffered a non-fatal drowning in the Kleinmond Lagoon. He was rescued, treated on the scene, and transported to the hospital in a stable condition.

Just days later, on 7 December 2025 two girls (10 and 11) were rescued after one fell into a deep-water hole in the shallow area and the other jumped in to help. Both were treated at the Overstrand Municipal lifeguard station and hospitalised.

Safety tips

Following the incident involving the nine-year-old boy, the Overstrand Municipality provided the following tips.

• Never swim alone

• Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol

• Know your limits and capabilities

• Always supervise children

• If caught in a rip current, float, signal for help and swim sideways rather than directly against the current.

“Remember, drowning is silent. Never take your eyes off children near water, and avoid distractions such as mobile phones,” Edward Jantjies, Overstrand Acting Municipal Manager said.

Save this emergency numbers

• Hermanus NSRI: 082 990 5967

• Kleinmond NSRI: 063 699 2765

• National Emergency Number: 112

• Overstrand Fire and Rescue: 028 312 2400