Lifeguards ignore near-drowning victim

Holidaymakers Johann Nel and his fiancée Zanta Crous from Boksburg were shaken after she nearly drowned while swimming at Hibiscus Ski-boat Club in Ramsgate in December.

According to Nel, waves crashed on her, she swallowed water and ran out of breath. He added that she was unable to swim back to shore and nearly drowned in the presence of lifeguards who did not help her. Fortunately, she was seen by other swimmers.

“They called out for help and the lifeguards sat there and did nothing, I carried my fiancée to the top of the beach and checked that she had no water in her lungs. While I was helping her, other beachgoers came to assist me. The lifeguards only asked what had happened a few minutes later,” said Nel.

He said they were blessed that the residents and beachgoers assisted them.

“They called an ambulance and Zanta was taken to hospital. The lifeguards were very laid back. One resident suggested CPR and the lifeguards’ reaction was that they did not know CPR, “said Nel.

He said the lifeguards underwent rigorous training and qualified, they should at the very least be able to do CPR.

“They could have reacted faster as their job is to save lives and respond to drownings,” Nel added.

He thanked the residents and the people from Hibiscus Beach Cafe for helping him and his fiancée. A member of the ski boat club confirmed that the incident happened, however, he could not confirm the response time of the lifeguards.

Simon April, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality spokesperson said that according to a report, no drowning had been reported at the club.

“The owners of both lifeguard companies are not aware of any drowning reported, “said April.