A 23-year-old man from Khayelitsha was rescued from rip currents at Monwabisi Beach on Tuesday afternoon after getting into difficulty while swimming.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Strandfontein station received an alert on 7 April at 14:36 from a local lifeguard reporting a suspected drowning in progress.
“Local shark spotters confirmed that there was indeed an active drowning in progress in the surf zone at Monwabisi,” said Nicky Whitehead, NSRI Strandfontein station commander.
Monwabisi, which is along the False Bay coast, is a resort, tidal pool and beach on the outskirts of the Wolfgat Nature Reserve near Khayelitsha.
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Prompt response
Multiple emergency services responded to the incident, including NSRI Strandfontein rescue swimmers, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Marine Unit, local shark spotters, Western Cape Government Health Emergency Medical Services and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services.
A City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Marine Unit officer entered the water and reached the man in distress, successfully bringing him back to shore with assistance from a shark spotter.
NSRI crew members then provided medical treatment alongside Metro Emergency Medical Services and Fire and Rescue paramedics. The man, who was showing symptoms of non-fatal drowning, was stabilised at the scene before being transported to hospital by ambulance in a stable condition.
Rip currents
The incident appears to have been caused by the swimmer being caught in rip currents.
Whitehead praised the swift response of all emergency services involved and commended the Law Enforcement Marine Unit officer whose quick action saved the man’s life.
The NSRI is a non-profit organisation dedicated to drowning prevention and water safety in South African waters. Its volunteers operate 24 hours a day and rely on donations and sponsorships.
