Non-fatal drowning - Strand

STRAND:Alan Meiklejohn, NSRI Gordons Bay station commander, said:At 16h20, Thursday, 22nd February, NSRI Gordons Bay duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Strand Beach.NSRI rescue swimmers responded directly to the scene, the sea rescue craft Spirit of Mercantile was prepared to be launched, GB Med Security ambulance service, ER24 ambulance service, Law Enforcement, Neighbourhood Watch members and the SA Police Services responded.On arrival on the scene a 26 year old man, from Blue Downs, was found safe out of the water in the care of Strand Surf Lifesaving Club lifeguards and he was treated by paramedics for non-fatal drowning symptoms and he has been transported to hospital by GB Med Security ambulance in a stable condition and he is expected to fully recover.It was revealed the the casualty and friends were swimming when they were caught in rip currents.Friends and community members were able to assist 26 year old man from the water and off-duty Strand Surf Lifesaving Club lifeguards had also entered the water and were able to assist to get the man safely to shore and then initiating medical treatment .NSRI commend all who assisted.