Fatal drowning in Melkbosstrand

At 16h32, Saturday, 24 December, NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew were activated following reports from CoCT (City of Cape Town) lifeguards of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) efforts they had commenced on an adult male that they had rescued from the mid surf breakers after he had been swept out to sea by rip currents in rough sea conditions further down the beach from the lifeguard protected swimming area.

The CoCT water rescue network was activated.

NSRI Melkbosstrand rescue swimmers and NSRI medics, WC Government Health EMS, Community Medics, ER24 ambulance services, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, the SA Police Services, CoCT Law Enforcement, Big Bay lifeguards and Melkbosstrand neighbourhood watch members responded to join CoCT lifeguards on the scene.

After extensive efforts to resuscitate the man were exhausted sadly he was declared deceased by paramedics.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

The body of the man has been taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased man.

We are appealing to bathers to swim at lifeguard-protected beaches and swim in between the safe demarcated swimming zones posted by lifeguards.