Tragedy as 7-year-old drowns at uMhlanga Beach
The incident unfolded at Durban View Park Beach.
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD girl drowned on Sunday afternoon at Durban View Park Beach in uMhlanga.
Paramedics responded to the incident at the non-swimming beach just after 15:00.
It is alleged the young girl was on the water’s edge when she was swept into the water by a freak wave.
The girl was pulled out of the surf by members of the public, and they began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with lifeguards from uMhlanga.
Also read: KZN ranks highest for drownings
In a statement, Medi Response spokesperson Janus van Schalkwyk extended their condolences to the family of the young girl.
“On arrival of paramedics, members of the public had already pulled the girl from the surf, and CPR was initiated in conjunction with uMhlanga Lifeguards. Despite the extensive efforts of Medi Response Advanced life support paramedics and lifeguards, the patient was declared deceased. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and all those affected by this tragedy,” Van Schalkwyk said.
Earlier this year, two drownings prompted the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) to install 11 pink rescue buoys along the beachfront.
Working alongside lifeguards, drowning hotspots were identified between Durban View Park and where the viewing deck at Breakers Resort used to be, and the new rescue buoys were positioned accordingly for maximum visibility and easy access, bringing the total number of Pink Buoys to 13.
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