Durban — A swimmer was rescued at Shelly Beach, on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, after suffering from near drowning and exhaustion.
KwaZulu Private Ambulance (KZPA) service responded to a call for help in Shelly Beach on Sunday afternoon.
“Upon arrival at the scene, paramedics discovered a swimmer in serious condition due to a near drowning and exhaustion,” KZPA spokesperson, Craig Botha, said.
“Immediate medical intervention was provided to stabilise the patient, who was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for further care.”
Botha added: “KwaZulu Private Ambulance service would like to remind beachgoers to prioritise their safety by swimming only in designated areas and adhering to the instructions of lifeguards.”
Meanwhile, over the weekend, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) warned swimmers to avoid becoming rip current casualties and to swim at lifeguarded beaches.
The NSRI stated that their top tip for avoiding rips and staying safe as the holidays start this season is visiting a beach where and when lifeguards are on duty.
The NSRI said most people need help to correctly identify dangerous or rip currents at beaches. Lifeguards can keep you safe between their flags – so rather go into the water there.
What is a rip current?
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow away from the shore, posing a significant danger to beachgoers. They typically form where waves break over sandbars or reefs, creating localised water movements that pull swimmers out to sea.
Rip currents can reach almost 3m per second, making them faster than an Olympic swimmer. They develop when waves push water toward shore, raising the water level. This excess water then seeks to return to the ocean through the path of least resistance, often forming a current through gaps in sandbars or other underwater features.
- Several visual cues identify rip currents: Darker water indicates deeper channels where waves do not break.
- Gaps between waves: Areas where fewer or no waves are breaking can signal a rip current.
- Choppy surface: A distinct channel of turbulent water surrounded by smoother areas.
Rip currents are the leading cause of rescues by lifeguards at beaches. They do not pull individuals under the water but can quickly drag them away from the beach. Panic often leads swimmers to swim against the current, which can cause exhaustion and drowning.
- If caught in a rip current, it is crucial to remember to stay calm: Do not panic; conserve energy by floating.
- Swim out of the current: Instead of swimming directly back to land, swim sideways to escape the current’s grip.
- Signal for help: Raise your arm and shout for assistance if needed.
If you see someone needing help in the water, call a lifeguard or the NSRI for help. (112 is a free call from your cell phone, or contact the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre on 087 094 9774).
Try to throw something that floats to the person who needs help. Remember that untrained people should only go into the water to help if they are strong swimmers and have flotation. An NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy or surfboard is a good example of floatation. Interestingly, since the Pink Buoy project started in late 2017, 130 people, in 100 instances, were rescued with a Pink Buoy because of rip currents.
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Daily News