The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has praised an Uitenhage man on holiday with his family in Mossel Bay for rescuing a teenage girl.
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According to the Mossel Bay Advertiser, Charles van Wyk was watching his 12-year-old son at Die Poort Tidal Pool when he noticed two young females becoming tired while swimming, one of whom appeared to be in distress.
Another woman attempted to approach the girls but withdrew.
Van Wyk then jumped into the water and swam past his son, reaching the two young women and assisting a 15-year-old to stay afloat. He was able to get the teenager closer to shore, where he was helped by an unidentified man. They helped bring the teenager to shore, while the second girl reached the shore on her own.
NSRI lifeguards responded to the incident and began medical treatment for the teenager. The teen was stabilised by NSRI Mossel Bay medics and By Grace paramedics, who were assisted by lifeguards before transporting her to the hospital.
The NSRI commended Van Wyk for saving the teenager’s life.
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The outcome was not as positive for two brothers swimming at Aston Bay Lagoon in Jeffreys Bay.
On January 6, Kouga lifeguards notified the NSRI’s Jeffreys Bay crew of two local brothers who required medical attention.
An off-duty NSRI crewman responded after he and his wife noticed a disturbance on the other side of the lagoon.
‘An NSRI Jeffreys Bay rescue vehicle, Gardmed ambulance services, EC Government Health EMS, Relay ambulance services and the SA Police Services responded to the event. Arriving on the scene, NSRI members Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) efforts were commenced on one of the men, age 29, joined by paramedics,’ the NSRI said.
‘Despite extensive CPR efforts sadly the man was declared deceased.’
‘The second man, the brother, was treated for non-fatal drowning symptoms. The body of the deceased man was taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services. Condolences go out to the family of the deceased man,’ the NSRI said.
The NSRI has warned water users and beachgoers to be cautious at all times, especially as temperatures rise during the 2024 summer season in the Western and Eastern Capes, causing hundreds to flock to waterways and seas to cool off.
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Picture: NSRI / Facebook