‘Babe Watch’ heroes dive in to rescue Pippa

BEACH legends of yesteryear teamed up for one last heroic feat last week and rescued Pippa… a dog…  from a watery grave.

Wednesday, sunrise, Scottburgh’s famed ‘Babe Watch Trio’ (aged between 50 and 70 years), had their usual get-together for a coffee, chat and early morning swim at main beach.

They noticed that the Mpambanyoni River had broken its banks and was flooding into the sea. Just then, a little dog attempted to cross the raging torrent from the  Freeland Park side and was swept out with the current.

Pippa was struggling to stay afloat in the strong current and waves.

Honed instinct of olden days kicked in and 70-year-old Barry Mundel (ex-lifesaver and SAA pilot) ran to the sea, swam out some 100 metres and held the stricken animal afloat.

Meanwhile, Mike Bremner launched his surfboard, paddled out and between them they managed to transfer the panicking dog onto the board, although with some difficulty.

He battled the current and managed to get to the rocks at Point. Meanwhile, Barry was getting washed further out to sea.

Then it was Keith Vergottini to the rescue. His board was being bashed up against the rocks by the waves, but he still managed to launch in the rough surf and paddle frantically to pick up Barry.

The whole operation took about 45 minutes, but it was another rescue in the bag.

Who dares say old lifesavers don’t ‘have it’!

* It was a case of the shoe (or flipper) being on the other foot when a pregnant dog pulled her mistress from the water.