Three men were rescued from a canal in Parow on Thursday last week by a team of the City of Cape Town’s fire and rescue services.
Peter Cloete, chair of the Parow Crime Fighters Neighbourhood Watch (Pacrif), said they were made aware of the incident.
“All I know is that an adult males tried to cross the canal and got swept away and two younger males tried to help him, but also got swept away. All three were saved though,” said Cloete.
The emergency call was received at 11:20 and crews from Goodwood, Kuils River, Bellville, the training academy and metro rescue were on scene.
Quick response leads to rescue
The swift water rescue happened near Jan van Riebeeck Drive and Cloete Street, Parow, where fast flowing water in the canal adjacent to the railway trapped the three men on a ledge in the canal, said JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security.
“Staff rigged a rope pulley system attached to the boat as the current was extremely strong, undertaking the rescue with non-motorised craft with oars, for the safety of the trapped persons,” said Smith.
The first person was rescued at 12:28 and the other two at 12:38. Metro ambulance staff treated the patients after being rescued.
Hand signals used to communicate
“The problem was made more complex by the loss of communications, making decision-making difficult, however they made use of hand signals,” said Smith who commended the fire and rescue staff for their swift action and skill in ensuring the safety of the three men.
He added that they are also proud of their capable and professional fire and rescue dive unit.
Cloete said the area in question causes concern.
“This canal is rarely this strong but this is due to the heavy rains.
“Prasa has failed to heed our community’s calls to repair the fence at the railway line which is very often used as an escape route for criminals,” said Cloete.
