WATCH: Planet Fitness workers hailed heroes after saving man from drowning

Two men saved a swimmer at Planet Fitness in Craighall Park this week in a video that has since gone viral. To thank them for their heroic efforts, they were celebrated by the company on Thursday.

Rosebank Killarney Gazette editor Ashtyn Mackenzie had an opportunity to interview the men, Brendon Marigagumbo and Karabo Thosago, as they talked about how the event unfolded as well as the survivor Gareth Utton.

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Karabo was the first person on the scene. He was doing his daily work tasks and he was at the change rooms when he heard yelling. He thought it was his friends playing, but ran back and noticed a man underwater.

“I was scared and shocked when I saw him, I did not know what to do.”

Brendan said he heard Karabo screaming for help, he saw him holding the man in the water. “In two seconds, I knew I had to go underwater and help, that’s when I realised the importance of decision-making where you have to decide everything at that moment.”

Brandon Murigagumbo with Gareth Utton and Karabo Thosago. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie

The event also raised awareness of the importance of learning how to swim and life-saving courses.

Both men said it was very important to learn to swim, Karabo said he told his friends to learn how to swim and was willing to teach them even if they found it difficult, because anything could happen.

Watch as Planet Fitness celebrate Brendan and Karabo for their heroics by handing them an R5,000 cheque. They were also awarded lifeguard courses by Linden Life Guards, a level 1 first aid course, USN packages, as well as goodie bags from Puma.

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