PLETTENBERG BAY NEWSFLASH - The swift action of Plettenberg Bay sea rescue workers saved two swimmers’ lives in unrelated incidents over the weekend.

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) duty controller Ross Badenhorst said the first incident happened at 16:30 on Saturday 10 March, when lifeguards at Central Beach requested assistance.

A 17-year-old local was in a serious condition after a non-fatal drowning in the lagoon. 

“When NSRI arrived, lifeguards were already on the scene. She was out of the water and ambulance services had been activated,” Badenhorst said.

Local NSRI medics also responded and assisted the lifeguards who had been treating the teenager for non-fatal drowning symptoms. 

“She was stabilized, but remained in a serious condition.”

He added the Western Cape Government Health EMS paramedics took over care of the patient and transported her to hospital where she was further treated.

“The lifeguards are commended for their quick response.”

Badenhorst said the following day at about 11:20 they responded to reports of a drowning in progress at a residential swimming pool.

“Two NSRI rescue swimmers were driving on the same road as the residence at the time and they responded while NSRI medical crew and Medlife ambulance services also responded.”

When the NSRI swimmers arrived they found a woman holding the head of her unconscious partner out of the water. 

She was however unable to get the 38-year-old man out of the swimming pool. 

“NSRI rescue swimmers recovered the man from the water and medical treatment for non-fatal drowning symptoms was initiated. 

"Paramedics joined NSRI medics with the medical efforts and the man was transported to hospital in a serious but stable condition by ambulance.”

ARTICLE: YOLANDÉ STANDER, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD CORRESPONDENT

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