There were thousands of bathers on the beaches and other aquatic environments, but and they kept bathers safe.

At Umhlanga Main BeCh the LIfesavers effected a dramatic rescue of occupants of a ski boat that flipped as it tried to launch out to sea. All occupants were assessed and were found to be safe. Numerous bathers were rescued at that beach as well.

Strandfontein (Cape Town) lifesavers were alerted to an adult male floating face down in the tidal pool. They recovered the individual and administered CPR until they found a pulse. He was handed over to the paramedics.

There was a report of a drowning of a 14 year old boy at Ismangaliso Wetland Beach. This is not a bathing beach so reports are unclear at this stage.

Another dramatic incident was reported from Pennington Beach of many bathers were swept out to sea. Lifesavers who had just gone off duty, responded. Two were rescued, one was retrieved and declared deceased and three are still missing. The search for the missing bathers continues this morning.

Early this morning on 2 January at around 5.30am , reports came through of an adult male drowned at Thompsons Bay in Ballito. Details of the incident are awaited.

Lifesaving South Africa extends condolences to the families who lost loved ones. “We also reiterate the call to only swim where and when lifesavers are on duty”

Ends
Dhaya Sewduth ( LifesavingSA)