Notices
At 15h53 Coastal Water Rescue was activated to a near drowning in progress at the Van Stadens Resort. Initial reports indicated that a group of holiday makers were swimming across the lagoon when a middle aged male from East London got into difficulty and disappeared under the water. Local lifeguards initiated a search and managed to rescue the patient shortly afterwards. However he was unresponsive and the lifeguards immediately started CPR. A local cardiologist who was at the resort also assisted. On arrival, EMS medical staff and a Relay ALS paramedic managed to cross the lagoon to provide assistance. In the background SAPS, CWR and beach office provided coordination. Unfortunately despite prolonged attempts to resuscitate the patient, he was pronounced deceased on scene.
At 17h17 today the Coastal Water Rescue squad was activated with reports of a missing child in the Veeplaas area. On arrival initial reports received were that 5 children were playing in the water underneath the bridge, and that one was missing. Before any search attempt had been started the missing child came forward from the crowd, he had been at home, and the search was called off. CWR road crew and four rescue swimmers were on the scene with Metro EMS, the SAPS dive unit and also SAPS sector vehicles.
Yesterday afternoon at approximately 4:45pm, Coastal Water Rescue was activated with a drowning in progress at the Swartkops River Mouth. On arrival it was established that two friends were swimming near the river mouth when they got caught in a current, one of them managed to make it to safety by getting onto one of the pylons in the middle of the river where he was rescued by the Bluewater Bay LSC, unfortunately the other 18 year old victim was missing and presumed drowned. 6 CWR swimmers were deployed to assist the other emergency services (Beach Office, Fire Department, SAPS, EMS, BWB LSC, BWB Sector Policing). An extensive search was performed, but was not successful. The SAPS Search & Rescue unit will continue the search today.
At 12h48 today the squad was alerted to a drowning in progress at Corobrick by The pump house. Coastal Water Rescue swimmers and land crew responded. On arrival police divers were entering the water as the body submerged. We had rescue swimmers assist with a immediate search. An EMS chopper was also called in due to the currents and the vast area to cover. After a extensive search by all services, the body had unfortunately not yet been found.
At approximately 16h07 yesterday, the squad was alerted to a drowning in progress in the Greenbushes area at a small dam. Coastal Water Rescue’s swimmers and support crew were dispatched. A 7 year old girl had been swimming with friends and had unfortunately drowned. An immediate search with police divers was implemented and the body of the young girl was retrieved. Our condolences to the girl’s family and friends.
At 16h52 the Squad was alerted to a drowning in progress at MAITLANDS MOUTH. Report of 2 fisherman were in the surf fishing when the son was reportedly swept in to sea. Four rescue swimmers and support crew members were activated to respond. On arrival a stand down was issued after more info was received that it was a false alarm, according to an eye witness both parties had left the beach, possibly under the influence.
The Squad were involved in training exercises with NSRI , FIRE RESCUE, EMS where bailing drops, cross overs passengers from one boat to the next, pick up swimmers and jet ski drills were conducted, even in the red tide that surfaced overnight. Thanks NSRI for arranging , experience gained by all.
"This morning, at 10h27 Coastal Water Rescue was alerted to a drowning in progress at Wells Estate. Patient was an adult, male who had been caught in the rip currents and strong waves. When the squad arrived, conditions were rough with an easterly on shore, creating big waves and strong rip currents. Patient was nowhere to be seen. An immediate search was executed! The jets skis were behind the surf line and we had 3 rescue swimmers along with Bluewater Bay lifeguards search in the swim line. CWR also had 3 land/support crew doing a beach sweep as back-up. Search wad conducted for an hour, then called off due to conditions. Unfortunately the person was not yet found."
