DAPPAT SE GAT:Vincent Landman, NSRI Gordons Bay crew member, was at Dappat se Gat today and he has recounted this story of a successful life saved using an NSRI pink rescue buoy:On 31 December, at 15h10, myself and friends were playing in the surf at Dappat se Gat. As an off duty NSRI crew member from Station 9 Gordons I am always aware of tides & rip currents and the dangers to look out for when it comes to matters of the sea.It caught my eye that two people, adult males, appeared to be caught in rip currents.One man made it back closer to shore where he could stand in chest deep water and he was able to fight against the rip current. The second man was quickly heading out to sea caught in a strong rip current.I approached his friends who were standing on the shore looking distressed to find out if they knew what the man's intentions were. They informed me that he is not a good swimmer and they were concerned for his safety. At that moment the man started to wave his arms for help.I grabbed my boarding fins and a NSRI pink rescue buoy which is stationed on a pole at that beach.Waves were in excess of 6 feet and rip currents had a strong side wash.I launched into the surf to go after the man and, after an exhausting swim to the backline, I reached him and I asked him if he is okay. He said that he is just very tired. I admit I was also tired.I gave him the NSRI pink rescue buoy and led him out of the rip current. We swam back to the shore together where he required no further assistance.The 2 men thanked me for my help and they returned to their friends.
-ENDS-
