A visiting family’s near-drowning ordeal at Jongensfontein was miraculously resolved thanks to the rapid response of local lifeguards, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), and two courageous surfers, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The life-threatening incident unfolded on the afternoon of Friday as a mother, father and their teenage daughter were swept out to sea by powerful rip currents at Sandstrand Beach.
At approximately 1:49pm, the NSRI Stilbaai duty crew received urgent reports of the drowning in progress. Eyewitnesses described the family of three struggling against the violent currents, rapidly being carried away from the shore. With the situation quickly escalating, every second counted.
A swift and coordinated rescue effort
In response, NSRI Stilbaai rescue swimmers immediately mobilised and made their way to the scene. Meanwhile, NSRI lifeguards stationed at the nearby swimming beach, 800 metres away at the caravan park, also rushed to assist. Upon arriving, the team encountered two surfers – Good Samaritans – who were already paddling toward the family, which was now approximately 800 metres off the shore.
With no time to spare, NSRI rescue swimmers and a lifeguard equipped with torpedo rescue buoys plunged into the surf. Alongside the surfers, they reached the family and found the mother unconscious but still breathing. Her condition was critical, and the rescuers acted swiftly to stabilise her.
Working together to save lives
The mother was carefully placed on one of the surfers’ boards, while the father and daughter clung to the second board. The group worked together to keep the family afloat as they awaited the arrival of the NSRI rescue craft.
After reaching the family, the NSRI rescue boat, Breede Rescuer, was launched from the Stilbaai rescue base, covering the 1-kilometre distance to reach the stranded group. The rescue boat successfully evacuated the family, as well as two NSRI rescue swimmers, and brought them onboard to safety.
Meanwhile, the two surfers and the NSRI lifeguard returned to the beach, ensuring the family was well cared for until the rescue craft arrived.
A miraculous recovery
During the journey back to the NSRI rescue base, the mother regained consciousness on board the vessel. Medical personnel immediately administered treatment for non-fatal drowning symptoms, and she was stabilised.
Upon arrival at the base, the younger daughter, who had been anxiously waiting, was driven to the NSRI rescue base by another Good Samaritan who had assisted her during the crisis. The reunion between the distraught daughter and her family was an emotional and heartwarming moment.
The family, who had travelled from Brits in Gauteng for a holiday in Stilbaai, were taken to local doctors for further evaluation and care. They are now recovering under the attentive care of medical professionals.
Gratitude and heroism in the face of danger
The family expressed profound gratitude for the heroic efforts of the rescuers and Good Samaritans who risked their lives to save them. The bravery and quick thinking of the two surfers, the NSRI crew, and the Good Samaritan who drove the daughter to safety were pivotal in the successful outcome of the rescue.
NSRI Stilbaai commended all those involved in the rescue and acknowledged the collective goodwill that led to saving the lives of the family.
‘This is a testament to the power of community and quick action. Without the teamwork of surfers, lifeguards, and rescue teams, this family may not have survived such a harrowing experience,’ said NSRI Stilbaai.
As the family begins to recover from the terrifying ordeal, their heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who played a role in their rescue.
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Philippi man drowns at Tableview Beach, despite NSRI rescue efforts
Picture: NSRI
