BETTYS BAY – The difference between life and death can come down to seconds – and knowing where to find a pink rescue buoy. Two young men proved exactly that when their decisive actions helped rescue a person from the water.

The successful rescue took place at Betty’s Bay Main Beach on Monday (13 July). Three young surfers had been surfing when they unexpectedly got caught in a rip current. Two of them managed to break free while the third surfer did not.

“Two managed to break free and return safely to shore, but the third surfer was unable to escape the powerful current and was swept further out to sea,” says the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). “Without hesitation, his friends ran to the nearest pink rescue buoy, removed it from its post and one of them swam the buoy out to the surfer in distress.”
He then used the buoy to “provide vital flotation and support” assisting the surfer in danger safely back to shore.

The NSRI Station 42 Kleinmond commander, Schalk Boonzaaier received a report from a Betty’s Bay resident who told them of the successful rescue.

NSRI’s Pink Rescue Buoy Programme

The rescue marks the 263rd known life saved through the NSRI’s Pink Rescue Buoy Programme. The programme places easy-to-spot flotation devices strategically along the water to offer immediate support in emergencies which helps the public assist those in distress while keeping themselves safe in the process.

NSRI has commended the quick-thinking young men for their courage and decisive actions that ultimately saved a life.

“Their calm response and correct use of the pink rescue buoy undoubtedly contributed to a successful rescue,” says the NSRI. “The life-saving impact of these flotation devices and the importance of having them readily available at beaches and inland waterways across South Africa” will now be a priority and continue saving lives of beach lovers and surfers in distress.