Tragedy struck on New Year’s Day as a 38-year-old man has drowned at Strand Beach.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said its rescue
team were approached by a lady claiming that there was a drowning in progress
but it appears that the lady could not indicate where along the beach the
incident was occurring.
‘’NSRI Gordons Bay crew alerted CoCT (City of Cape Town) lifeguards,
at Strand Surf Lifesaving Club and the CoCT lifeguards patrolling Strand Beach,
where lifeguards, assisted by NSRI, immediately launched a search in the area
along the beach while NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) viewed CCTV
footage. The CoCT water rescue network was alerted. CoCT lifeguards and NSRI
launched rescue craft and lifeguards swam towards bathers in the bathing area -
initiating an extensive search,’’ said Craig Lambinon, NSRI spokesperson.
‘’Shortly after initiating a search along the beach a man
was discovered floating lifeless in the water, in the surf zone, and he was
recovered to the beach by CoCT lifeguards who initiated CPR (Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation) efforts, they were assisted by NSRI crew,’’ he added.
The man from Elsies River, was declared deceased after efforts were exhausted
‘’The body of the man has been taken into the care of
Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services. Police have opened an
Inquest docket,’’ said Lambinon.
COURTESY: NSRIAt the same time, the City of Cape Town is appealing to the public to remain in the safe zones at beaches and other public amenities. Since 1 December, there have been 19 non-fatal drownings at Cape Town’s beaches. Four fatal drownings have been recorded in Cape Town over this period as well. Lifeguards have also responded to 33 water rescues, 39 first-aid incidents and 18 incidents involving anti-social behaviour at beaches, and two first aid incidents at swimming pools.
The City’s Identikidz Programme has registered 55 075
children to date, and reunited 78 with their caregivers. Strand, Muizenberg and
Strandfontein have recorded the highest number of registrations.
‘’Our beaches and swimming pools have attracted thousands
of visitors so far this season, and we expect another bumper weekend as Cape
Town rings in the new year. To our lifeguards and support staff, thank you for
your efforts to keep visitors to our amenities safe. To the public, don’t leave
home without reminding yourself and your children about the golden rules of
water safety, and if you’re at a beach where the Identikidz service is
available, please make use of it. Our staff have already reunited dozens of
children since mid-December, once again highlighting the value that the programme
adds to child safety,’’ said Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for
Community Services and Health.
COURTESY: CoCTDone By: Mitchum George
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