Irafaan Abrahams, a local educator known for participating in marathons to fund children’s school shoes, was rescued by surfer Stephen ‘Dassie’ Guess after getting caught in a riptide off Scarborough’s coast.
Speaking to Independent Online, an emotional Abrahams detailed the terrifying seven-minute struggle against the riptide, a journey spanning 350 metres, recorded on his watch.
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Initially swimming parallel to the waves, Abrahams was suddenly being pulled to sea. His efforts to remain calm were thwarted as he drifted helplessly backwards.
‘The one minute I was comfortably swimming parallel to the waves, not wanting to swim into the quite big waves, the next moment I found myself being pulled into the ocean. I tried to stay calm at first but found myself going nowhere but backwards,’ he explained.
Two boogie boarders and Guess came into view. Exhausted and battling cramps, Abrahams managed to signal for help. Guess responded, instructing a weary Abrahams to hold on to his leg.
‘After a few minutes that felt like hours, the two boogie boarders gave Dassie a break and let me onto the boogie board while they paddled the board towards the shore. Eventually we got to a sand bank where I could just about stand,’ said Abrahams.
The combined efforts of the boogie boarders and Guess eventually led them to safety.
Abrahams said that the incident reminded him of a pivotal life lesson about gratitude and giving thanks, a teaching from his father.
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Following the experience, Abrahams invited Guess to help him distribute food at Kapteinsklip, which he accepted.
Together with Hakuna Matata and Friends, they shared warm noodles, penny polonies, chips and lollipops with the Kapteinsklip informal settlement.
Abrahams now aims to participate in his first triathlon and aspires to become a lifeguard.
Guess, a seasoned surfer with over two decades of experience, reflected on the significance of aiding someone dedicated to helping others.
Witnessing a drowning on a previous Boxing Day, Guess was determined not to let a similar tragedy unfold.
He sees this act of bravery as a step towards fulfilling his goal of becoming more selfless in 2024.
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Picture: Irafaan Abrahams / Facebook