A 22-year-old fisherman from George has been rescued after getting into difficulty while fishing at Swartvlei Beach in Sedgefield.
According to NSRI Wilderness station commander Jonathan Britton, the NSRI duty crew was activated on Wednesday at 21:43 after an eyewitness called the station’s emergency phone to report a fisherman suspected to be in distress.
Noticed a commotion
Off-duty NSRI lifeguards who were camping nearby were also alerted after noticing a commotion on the beach, with bystanders indicating that someone appeared to be struggling in the water.
NSRI Wilderness rescue swimmers and medics were dispatched, while the off-duty lifeguards, local community volunteer medical personnel, Knysna Fire and Rescue Services, the South African Police Service and Western Cape Government Health EMS were all activated and responded to the scene.
Reports from witnesses suggested that a headlamp worn by the fisherman, who had been fishing from the beach and wading into shallow surf, suddenly disappeared beneath the water in the surf zone. Bystanders immediately raised the alarm.
During a search of the area, the off-duty lifeguards used an NSRI pink rescue buoy stationed on the beach and located the fisherman in shallow water.
He was barely conscious and appeared to be trying to make his way back to shore.
The lifeguards assisted him to the shoreline and began administering medical care.
Non-fatal drowning
By that stage, the man was unresponsive and in a serious condition, showing symptoms consistent with non-fatal drowning.
They were soon joined by NSRI medics, community volunteer paramedics, police and other emergency services.
The fisherman was stabilised on scene and transported by EMS ambulance to hospital in a serious, but stable condition.
Following medical treatment, he was discharged from hospital on Thursday.
Britton said the man may have been caught in rip currents that swept him into the surf zone while fishing.
He praised the quick actions of eyewitnesses and the coordinated response by off-duty lifeguards, community volunteers, NSRI, police and emergency services, saying their efforts were instrumental in saving the man’s life.
Bystanders have also commended the professionalism, compassion and teamwork displayed by all those involved in the rescue.
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