The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is fervently urging the public to prioritise their safety when visiting recreational water spots and engaging in water activities.
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Rescue and service teams responded to two separate drowning incidents yesterday, Wednesday, 20 December at Clanwilliam Dam and Nature’s Valley in Plettenberg Bay.
NSRI lifeguards on duty at Clanwilliam Dam’s main swimming area were alerted to a drowning in progress on the far side of the dam which is not protected by lifeguards.
The 17-year-old male was brought to the surface and onto the shore, where lifeguards initiated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) efforts.
During CPR efforts a pulse was restored to the patient who remained in a critical condition and unconscious. EMS paramedics arrived and continued CPR effort, the patient suffered cardiac arrest and was declared deceased.
NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew responded to reports of a drowning in progress at Nature’s Valley, at a beach adjacent to the lifeguard-protected beach.
Using Malibu rescue boards, the lifeguards entered the water and assisted four local men caught in rip currents.
Three of the men managed to reach the shore safely while lifeguards initiated a search to find the missing man. On arrival at the scene, NSRI assisted lifeguards in the search for the missing 22-year-old man.
Multiple rescue services collaborated in response to the incident, including NSRI rescue swimmers, WC Government Health EMS, and SA Police Services.
The man was located submerged underwater and recovered onto the rescue craft where cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts commenced while bringing the man back to the beach.
He was declared deceased after all efforts to resuscitate him were exhausted.
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Picture: National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)