“I thought this is it – I couldn’t see anyone getting to me and I would not make it out alive.”
Those were the last thoughts that ran through Aston Nundkumar’s mind as he was drowning at Winklespruit beach over Easter weekend.
The 25-year-old Chatsworth resident was fortunate to survive a near drowning next to Winkle rocks outside the designated bathing area after he was caught in a rip current on Sunday, 27 March.
“I went to the beach with my family and the rest of my church group for a baptism service. After getting baptised, I took off my T-shirt and went in for a swim.
I’ve swam at Winkle beach before, but that day there was a rip current. I went into the water not knowing it was a non-swimming area, as I didn’t see any boards. I was fine swimming, but when I tried to get back to the shore, I saw I was not moving. I remember the pastor’s son and a church member trying to reach me, but the current kept pulling at me so they couldn’t get to me.
I went under to see if I could see the bottom, but I couldn’t even feel it. I waved and fortunately my girlfriend saw I was in trouble and went for help.”
I could feel myself getting weaker as I tried to keep afloat
A lifeguard at the nearby municipal swimming pool radioed Winklespruit Surf Lifesaving Club members who were on duty and they immediately launched a rescue torpedo buoy and inflatable rescue boat.
“I could feel myself getting weaker as I tried to keep afloat,” recalled Aston. “I started to panic and I could not see myself getting back to shore. I remember I screamed twice and when I went under, I saw my life flash past me and I accepted that I was not going to get out of this situation.
By the time the lifeguard got to me, I had passed out and I woke up in hospital.”
When Winkle lifeguards reached Aston and got him onto the boat he was unresponsive, although he still had a heartbeat and was breathing. They initiated mouth-to-mouth procedures and undoubtedly saved his life.
“I thought this is it – I couldn’t see anyone getting to me and I would not make it out alive.”
Aston spent four days in ICU at Prince Mshiyeni Hospital until he was moved to the general ward. “I remember waking up in ICU on Wednesday after being unconscious since the incident took place. The doctors had to pump out excessive water from my lungs and had put me on ventilation and life support.”
Aston was only released on Monday, 4 April, but he is far from recovered from his ordeal. “I still have body pain, especially in my neck, shoulder and back. I often find myself short of breath. I can feel my body is not the same, but I am well and alive.
It was a heavy experience to go through. I always go in for a quick swim and thought that day would be no different, but I just couldn’t make it back.
I thank the lifeguards and the team of doctors who saved my life. I am ever so gratfeul to them. If it weren’t for God being on my side, I wouldn’t be here today.
People need to be aware not to swim in a non-swimming area. That is why it’s important to have signs posted, especially for holidaymakers who are not familar with the area or anyone unaware of the dangers.”
