A 23-year-old man narrowly escaped drowning at Clifton 2nd Beach in Cape Town on Sunday morning (5 April) after a quick-thinking surfer paddled to his aid and brought him safely back to shore.

According to National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Bakoven station commander Bevan Geyser, emergency services were activated at 07:46 following reports of a drowning in progress.

While rescue teams were en route, an eyewitness reported that a female surfer had paddled out to assist the man, who had got into difficulty while swimming.

On arrival, NSRI crew found the surfer bringing the man back to shore on her surfboard, with members of the public assisting as they reached the beach.

“The unidentified surfer has been praised for her bravery and quick thinking, with officials crediting her actions for saving the man’s life,” said Geyser.

A doctor who happened to be on the beach immediately began medical treatment, supported by paramedics and lifeguards.

The response included NSRI Bakoven, Clifton Surf Lifesaving lifeguards, City of Cape Town lifeguards, Community Security Organisation (CSO) paramedics, South African Police Service (SAPS), Law Enforcement, Clifton CID security and Western Cape Government Health EMS.

The man, believed to be from Angola, was stabilised on the beach before being carried up the Clifton steps and transported to hospital by ambulance in a stable condition.

The NSRI commended not only the surfer, but also the eyewitness who raised the alarm and the doctor who assisted at the scene.

“This was a combined effort where every second counted,” said Geyser. “The quick reaction from the surfer, the eyewitness, and all responders involved made the difference.”

The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly conditions can change in the ocean, and the importance of vigilance and rapid response when lives are at risk.

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