The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has praised a vigilant coast watcher whose swift action led to the successful rescue of a paddler in difficulty.
According to Roan Strydom, NSRI Gordon’s Bay duty coxswain, NSRI Kleinmond and Gordon’s Bay duty crews were dispatched at 12:48 on Wednesday 12 March, following a call from the coast watcher at Pringle Bay, who reported a paddler apparently in distress offshore of Pringle Bay.
Within minutes other calls were received by NSRI, confirming the man was struggling against strong winds and being pushed out to sea.
Both NSRI stations dispatched rescue vehicles and swimmers, with Gordon’s Bay also launching their rescue craft, “Spirit of Surfski 5”. Guided by the coast watcher’s observations, the rescue boat located the German tourist amid 30-knot gusts and brought him aboard, initiating hypothermia treatment.
Deciding against taking the paddler back to shore at Pringle Bay due to his condition, rescue crew transported him to the Gordon’s Bay base. Following successful medical treatment, the man was released to a friend.
The NSRI commends the coast watcher’s vigilance, which was crucial in saving the man’s life. The NSRI also urged all water users, including paddlers and boaters, to download the free NSRI SafeTrx app (www.nsri.org.za/SAFETRX) to enhance their safety.
