Two non-fatal drowning incidents were reported in Cape Town on Thursday, November 12. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) responded to both incidents, which took place at Monwabisi Beach and Melkbosstrand Beach respectively.
“At Monwabisi Beach on the False Bay coastline, at 2pm, City of Cape Town (CoCT) lifeguards were quick to intervene after a male teenager was swept away by rip currents while swimming,” the NSRI said. “CoCT lifeguards rescued the 17-year-old from the surf and on reaching the beach the teenager, suffering non-fatal drowning symptoms, was successfully resuscitated by lifeguards.”
CoCT Law Enforcement officers and WC Government Health EMS responded and the teenager was transported to hospital by an EMS ambulance in a stable condition. He is expected to make a full recovery.
“The quick action of the CoCT lifeguards is commended,” the NSRI added.
In another incident at Melkbosstrand Beach, at approximately 5.30pm, a local male public member, aged 23 years old, entered the surf to assist a female in difficulty who got caught in rip currents while swimming.
“The female was able to get out of the surf onto the beach but the man was then himself caught in a rip current,” the organisation said. “A local man who was swimming nearby intervened and he was able to rescue the casualty male to the beach. Lifeguards and public members, including a former Milnerton Lifesaving lifeguard, assisted on the scene with medical treatment that was provided to the casualty who was suffering non-fatal drowning symptoms.”
NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew members and CoCT Law Enforcement officers responded and they also assisted on the scene before family members of the casualty transported him to hospital as a precaution, and he is expected to make a full recovery.
The NSRI is appealing to the public to be cautious and to adopt a safety-conscious mindset when they go to the beach or to inland waters to swim.
“Be aware of rip currents that form constantly throughout every day in normal wave action along the coastline and only swim at beaches protected by lifeguards,” the organisation advised.
“This weekend’s new moon Spring tide peaks on Sunday, November 15, and bathers can expect the Spring tide higher than normal high tides and Spring tide lower than normal low tides. Rock anglers and coastal hikers are urged to be cautious during the Spring high tide. Also, be aware that rocky outcrops and rocky islands along the coastline can be cut off from mainland during the Spring high tide.”
“We are appealing to parents to always have responsible adults supervising children when they are swimming or when they are around coastal and inland waters and at residential swimming pools,” the NSRI concluded.
Picture: Twitter
