A 21-year-old man from Stellenbosch was saved from drowning after being caught in dangerous rip currents at Kleinmond Main Beach on yesterday afternoon.
Two Good Samaritans used a body board and a pink rescue buoy to help pull the man to safety, with assistance from a National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) rescue swimmer.
Michael Markovina, NSRI Kleinmond coxswain, said the rescue operation began at 13h08 on Saturday, 21 March, after reports of a drowning in progress.
“Having returned to our NSRI Kleinmond station 42 rescue base, following routine training exercises with NSRI Hermanus and NSRI Gordons Bay, our NSRI rescue swimmers and our NSRI rescue vehicle responded immediately,” Markovina said.
Swift response saves life
When rescue teams arrived, they found the young man trapped in rip currents whilst two male friends were already helping him in the surf using flotation devices.
“An NSRI rescue swimmer launched into the surf and assisted the two Good Samaritans to rescue the casualty to the beach,” Markovina explained.
ALSO READ: Lifeguards are first responders at beach road accident
The man was suffering from hypothermia and showed signs of non-fatal drowning. NSRI medics treated him on the beach before paramedics from Western Cape Government Health EMS arrived.
He was taken to hospital by ambulance in a stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.
Church outing turns dangerous
The incident happened during a Stellenbosch church outing whilst the group was visiting Kleinmond. The man was swimming during an incoming spring high tide when he became caught in strong rip currents.
Markovina praised the two Good Samaritans for having the right equipment and taking action.
“The two Good Samaritans are commended for having the floatation devices, the body board and the NSRI pink rescue buoy, and for their efforts that contributed to a life saved,” he said.
Pink buoys save lives
The NSRI pink rescue buoys have been responsible for helping to save 257 lives since the programme started in 2017. No members of the public have been harmed whilst using the rescue buoys in emergency situations.
The NSRI has appealed to the public to help protect the pink rescue buoys stationed around the coastline, asking that they only be removed from their poles during critical life-saving rescues.
Overstrand Law Enforcement also responded to the incident.
The NSRI is a non-profit organisation focused on drowning prevention and water safety in South African waters. Volunteers are on call 24 hours a day and rely on donations and sponsorships.
For sea rescue emergencies, call 087 094 9774.
