The beaches were unprecedentedly packed this weekend. The sheer magnitude of people was a massive task for lifeguards, and unfortunately, Saturday and Sunday did not go by incident free.
#NSRI, lifeguards, the emergency services and Police, attended to a disturbing number of fatal and non-fatal drowning accidents over the past 4 days around the coast and on inland waters since Thursday. For more read here: https://t.co/iGap0n87kq
— Sea Rescue South Africa (@NSRI) January 10, 2022
The NSRI confirmed a fatal drowning which took place at Strand Beach, as well as a non-fate drowning at Melkbosstrand. A male teenager was resuscitated before being transported to hospital in a critical condition.
At least nine more non-fatal drowning accidents and hundreds of successful rescues were carried out by lifeguards across the coast over the weekend.
A man was also reported missing near a beach in False Bay.
Cape {town} Etc’s Robyn Simpson witnessed a rescue at Dangers Beach on Saturday afternoon. There was a strong rip which pulled a man out just before backline. A lifeguard on duty made a swift and seamless, life-saving rescue.
The lifeguard hauled a gentleman, twice his hight, out of the water with the current against him. By the time the rescue was complete, the man who was in trouble couldn’t walk out of the ocean. He was exhausted and without the assistance of the lifeguard would have drown.
Three incidents where lives were saved with the contribution of NSRI pink rescue buoys in bystander rescues were also reported.
Also read: NSRI calls on public to return Pink Rescue Buoys: “we need them back”
NSRI lifeguards and all water rescue networks are appealing to the public to exercise caution in and around water.
With the high temperatures forecasted, by #SAWeatherService, for the coming weekend. The #NSRI and all water emergency networks are appealing to the public to be safe in and around coastal and inland waters and at swimming pools. Read more tips here: https://t.co/4sA19kU9gQ
— Sea Rescue South Africa (@NSRI) January 21, 2022
Thank you to the incredible men and women who risked their lives over the weekend to keep Cape Town safe!
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Picture: NSRI