Voluntary Winklespruit lifeguards save distressed couple from danger

AFTER finishing their training session at around 6pm on Tuesday, 21 November, three voluntary Winklespruit Surf Lifesaving Club lifeguards noticed two bathers in distress and performed a rescue which saved the bathers’ lives.

With the festive season fast approaching, lifeguards warn all beachgoers to abide by the rules to ensure they enjoy the beach and sea safely this holiday season.

Read also: Women’s body found floating in Umkomaas river. 

Winklespruit voluntary lifeguards Gareth Hazell (22), Kegan Lloyd (17) and Cole Nel (17) along with bystander, Johnathan Harding didn’t hesitate to take to the sea with rescue equipment to return the distressed man and woman to the safety of the beach. Gareth explained that the woman was in the most difficulty and had swallowed a lot of water.

It was said that had the voluntary lifeguards not been present at the beach, the distressed couple stood little chance of making it out alive.

This incident follows the recent drowning of a 16-year-old girl at Warner Beach on Saturday, 4 November.
In the run-up to the holidays, when crowds are expected to throng at local beaches, the lifeguards highlighted the importance of abiding by the rules that allow for safe bathing and enjoyment of the ocean.

Keep these rules in mind when visiting the beach:

1. Bathe on a lifeguard-patrolled beach between 8am and 6pm.
2. Only swim between the red and yellow bathing flags which indicate the guarded bathing area.
3. Obey all rules set by the lifeguards, as they are qualified in what they do and have specified the bathing area according to the sea conditions.
4. Don’t swim far out to sea, conditions can vary the further out you go.
5. If you find yourself in distress, float on your back to calm yourself, then wave your arms.
6. Take caution when walking along the beach when there are big shorebreak waves, as they can knock you off your feet and put you in danger.
7. When in doubt about whether you can manage the conditions, don’t risk it.
8. Never swim alone.

To find out more or to join Winkle Lifesaving Club, contact Gareth Hazell on 071-897-4599.

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