Joburg man missing at sea – presumed drowned on Christmas day

Lifesaving SA lifeguards, along with Ethekwini Lifeguards from Amanzimtoti and Brighton Beach, joined SAP Search & Rescue in the search for a man that was washed out to sea early in the afternoon on Christmas day at The Cutting Beach, Merebank, Durban.

The 25 year old man from Joburg was at the non swimming beach with friends when he was caught in a rip current. The man struggled against the current, then tragically lost his bodyboard and drowned. His body disappeared below the surface before the rescue services arrived on the scene. Lifeguard Rescue boats from Reunion Beach and Ansteys Beach assisted in the search but were unsuccessful in locating the man’s body.

The search for the missing man will continue tomorrow.

Precaution No 1: Swim in an area protected by lifeguards. This way you will be rescued if you are washed into a rip current.

What to do if you get into trouble in the sea:

·         Stay calm. People drown because they become exhausted by panicking.

·         Wave one arm above your head to signal for assistance. Use your other arm to help tread water.

·         Conserve your energy so that you stay afloat until you are rescued.

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If caught in a rip current, and you are a strong swimmer, swim parallel to the shore towards breaking waves. Once in the wave zone, you will be pushed back to shore. If you are a weak swimmer, go with the current – it will take you further out initially, but will dissipate at which point you will be able to make your way across to the wave zone or simply wait to be rescued. Rip currents are narrow and fade out further out to sea.

Don’t attempt to rescue another person without using flotation. Would be rescuers, that don’t have floatation, are often drowned by their victims. Call for assistance. Dial 112 from your cell phone or 082911, or 084124.