Life-guards quick reaction to try to save fatal drowning victim

At 11h30 on Tuesday the 26th of January, NSRI East London duty crew, SA Police Services, EC Government Health EMS and an EMS rescue helicopter and BCM (Buffalo City Metro) Fire and Rescue Services were activated following a request for urgent assistance from BCM Lifeguards, on active stand-by duty at Gonubie Beach, who had dispatched rescue swimmers into the surf to rescue a 27 year old local man who was in difficulty in the surf and who was being swept out to sea by rip-currents.Lifeguards reached the man in the surf zone and brought him onto the beach where they initiated CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts. They were joined by paramedics who arrived on the scene.Despite extensive CPR efforts the man was declared deceased by paramedics and Police have opened an inquest docket.His body was taken into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services.Despite the sad outcome the on-duty BCM lifeguards are commended for their quick reaction and the extensive efforts that they employed to try to save the life of the man. Sincerest condolences are expressed by all services involved in the rescue operation to family of the deceased man.