Only swim where there are guards – Lifesaving SA – after Toti drownings
Part of a school group, the victims were swimming in a forbidden area.
LIFESAVING South Africa (LSA) has asked beachgoers to only swim where lifeguards are on duty and in demarcated swimming areas so they can be assisted quickly should they experience difficulty while swimming.
This comes after two girls, aged 17 and 18, who were part of a school excursion group from Dududu, drowned in Amanzimtoti near Rogies Park on May 11. The area has a ‘no swimming’ sign, and there were no lifeguards posted. LSA general manager Helen Herbert said three teenagers were washed 100m out to sea, almost 1km from the designated bathing area.
ALSO READ: Man drowns during baptism in Isipingo
“Lifeguards rushed to the scene and managed to rescue all three teenagers from the ocean. The lifeguards put every effort into trying to resuscitate them,” said Hebert.
Two of the teenagers were declared dead at the scene after attempts to resuscitate them failed.
“We applaud the actions of the professional lifeguards from Toti Main Beach, who had to respond from their stationed duty point a distance away from where the incident occurred. LSA extends its sincere condolences to the families of the young teenagers. LSA advises the public and visitors to the coastline to ensure they only swim where there are lifeguards on duty,” said Hebert.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047.
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom at 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
