Warm and sunny weather drew hundreds of visitors to Milnerton Beach over the weekend — but for two 13-year-old boys, a swim in the ocean quickly turned into a frightening near-drowning incident.
Thanks to the vigilance of Milnerton lifeguard Nikolie Teixeira and voluntary lifeguard Javin Presence, both boys were safely rescued and reunited with their families after getting into difficulty in the surf on Saturday 10 January.
Spotted from the tower
At approximately 15:01, Teixeira was on duty in the lifeguard tower when he noticed two swimmers showing signs of distress in front of Bossa Restaurant, outside the designated swimming area and about 100 metres from the club.
“Although the boys were not far offshore, they had unknowingly stepped off a sandbank into a deep channel formed by the permanent Bossa rip current, leaving them unable to return to shore,” Milnerton Surf Lifesaving Club said.
Split-second decision saves lives
Voluntary lifeguard Presence immediately sprinted across the beach with a rescue board and reached the first boy, securing him safely on the board. It was then that he noticed the second boy drowning and beginning to disappear beneath the water.
Without hesitation, Presence left the first casualty secured and swam to reach the second boy, bringing him back to the rescue board before paddling both boys safely to shore.
Treated for shock and hypothermia
Once on land, the second boy was placed in the drainage position after swallowing a significant amount of water and complaining of chest pain while struggling to cough. Recognising the signs of hypothermia, Presence carried the boy to the clubhouse, where he was assessed, given water and allowed a warm shower.
The boys remained with lifeguards while recovering from shock and were closely monitored. They were also advised to inform their parents of the incident and to watch for any symptoms of secondary drowning.
Reminder to swim between the flags
Milnerton Surf Lifesaving Club has thanked both Teixeira and Presence for their vigilance, professionalism and bravery, while once again urging beachgoers to swim between the flags and remain alert to the dangers of rip currents — even on calm, sunny days.
“Their actions stand as a powerful reminder that rapid response and trained eyes can make the difference between tragedy and a safe return home,” the club said.
