A family from Gauteng had a harrowing experience when they were swept out to sea at Sandstrand, Jongensfontein, in the Western Cape, but thanks to the swift actions of Good Samaritans and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), they were rescued and reunited. The incident occurred on Friday when a father, mother, and their teenage daughter were caught in rip currents while enjoying the beach. The situation became critical as the family was carried out to sea, prompting immediate rescue efforts from the NSRI.
Stéfan Grové, the NSRI station commander, described how the rescue teams were alerted and sprang into action. Two surfers, who were on the scene, bravely swam out to assist the family. The mother was found unconscious but still breathing, and she was quickly placed onto a surfboard. Meanwhile, the father and daughter managed to hold onto a second surfboard as they were swept along. The surfers, along with NSRI rescue swimmers and lifeguards, kept the family afloat until the NSRI rescue craft arrived.
Once aboard the rescue craft, the family was brought back to the NSRI rescue base, and it was during this return that the mother regained consciousness. On reaching the base, they received immediate medical attention. In a heartwarming twist, the family’s younger daughter, who had been separated from them in the chaos, was brought to the NSRI base by a Good Samaritan. The man had driven the daughter to the base so she could be reunited with her parents, leading to an emotional family reunion.
The family, who had been on holiday in Stilbaai from Brits, Gauteng, expressed their deep gratitude for the efforts of all those involved in their rescue. The NSRI commended the surfers for their bravery and the kind stranger who assisted in reuniting the family. After being treated by a local doctor, the family’s ordeal came to a close, with their lives saved thanks to the quick and coordinated response of the NSRI, the surfers, and the Good Samaritan.
Meanwhile, on the previous day, authorities were also called into action when a 16-year-old boy from Elsies River went missing in rip currents at Tsaarsbank Picnic Site, located in the West Coast National Park near Vondeling Island. The teenager, who was on holiday with his family and friends, became caught in the strong surf, and despite attempts by his sister’s partner to assist him, he disappeared. The 22-year-old man who tried to help also became caught in the currents, requiring rescue himself.
The NSRI Mykonos team launched a rescue operation with the help of SANParks rangers, police, and emergency services. A search was conducted using both a rescue craft and a JetRib, and shortly thereafter, the 22-year-old man was located about 200 meters offshore and rescued. He was attended to by paramedics and SANParks rangers, but fortunately, did not require further medical treatment. Despite extensive air, sea, and shoreline searches, the missing teenager was not found. The search for the boy continues with assistance from the police’s Water Policing and Diving Services, as well as SANParks rangers.
These incidents serve as stark reminders of the dangers posed by rip currents and the importance of being vigilant around water. The efforts of the NSRI, local surfers, and the community have proven to be lifesaving, while also highlighting the vital role of emergency responders in protecting the public from the dangers of the ocean.
