A 17-year-old Northern Cape teen drowned on Wednesday at the Clanwilliam Dam. At approximately 2:40pm on Wednesday, NSRI lifeguards on duty at the dam’s main swimming area were alerted to a drowning in progress.
Also read: Cape Town residents and visitors urged to prioritise safety at beaches
The drowning occurred on the far side of the dam, away from the lifeguard-protected area.
According to the NSRI, local teenagers and children appeared to have gone to the far-side dam to cool off when the teenager got into difficulty while swimming and disappeared under the water.
Lifeguards from the NSRI, Western Cape EMS, and SA Police Services all responded. The NSRI said: ‘On arrival on the scene it was indicated to the lifeguards where the teenager had gone missing under water while swimming.’
‘The lifeguards launched into the water to free-dive search and they located the teenager under water.’
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings with these incredible deals on cars for under R100 000. Find car listings here.
Lifeguards began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts after bringing the 17-year-old teen to the surface and swimming the lifeless teen to the shore.
A pulse was restored to the patient, who was still in critical condition and unconscious, during CPR efforts.
‘On EMS paramedics arriving on the scene, medical treatment continued but the patient again went into cardiac arrest and CPR was resumed.’
‘After all efforts to resuscitate the teenager were exhausted, sadly he was declared deceased,’ the NSRI said.
‘The body of the teenager was taken into the care of police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services. Police have opened an inquest docket.’
‘Condolences are conveyed to family and friends of the deceased teenager.’
Cape {town} Etc discount: Enjoy the most worthwhile one-night stay in Cape Town with the best seaside views for R1 699 (valued at R 2 620). Get it here.
Also read:
NSRI urges public to prioritise safety following multiple incidents
Picture: NSRI