Another toddler (4) drowns in Amanzimtoti

The “totally unnecessary and avoidable” incident took place about 150-metres north of the Pipeline Beach bathing area, in line with the designated recreation and picnic area but significantly, after lifeguards had ended their shift and closed the beach for swimming.

“Hot summer weather with temperatures in the high 20s, resulted in marked higher attendance at all beaches with Pipeline being no exception,” said Beetge.

“Sea conditions were unfavourable and lifeguards issued a higher number of warnings to bathers, owing to the rough sea conditions and barrelling waves, massive shore breaks, strong north to south current and water discolouration.”

Bathing is allowed until 6pm whereafter  lifeguards clear the surf and go off shift by 7pm, which is when the beach is closed for swimming.

Before leaving their patrol area and after the beach closure, lifeguards cleared the surf of several children while a group of adults sat on a nearby dune.

It seems no sooner had lifeguards departed, than their warnings were ignored, as a four-year-old toddler was declared dead on arrival at Kingsway Hospital, due to a drowning at the same location just after 7pm.

“This is such an unnecessary tragedy that could more than likely have been avoided. As so often happens, it is the result of the cat-and-mouse game which unfolds with law enforcement warning people who choose to continue with exactly the same thing once officers depart. This applies not only to beach activities, but behaviour in general. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased child,” said Cllr Andre Beetge who has been in close contact with emergency services throughout the festive season.