Teenagers saved from rip currents off Ballito coast

At 17h24, Wednesday, 12 July, NSRI Ballito duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress in the sea in front of Emberton Way, Ballito.

NSRI Ballito rescue swimmers and IPSS Medical Rescue responded.

On arrival on the scene a 16 year old male and a 16 year old female, from Hillcrest, were safely out of the water and were attended to by paramedics.

They were released into the care of the father of the girl, he is doctor.

It appears 4 teenagers were on boards in the surf when they may have been threatened by rip currents.

3 teenagers exited the water but the 16 year old female was caught in rip currents.

The 16 year male went to her assistance and together they were caught in rip currents.

The father, of the girl, and his brother went to their assistance while an unidentified man entered the water with the NSRI pink rescue buoy that is stationed at the beach by Emberton Way, Ballito

The brother was able to assist the male from the water, while the unidentified Good Samaritan assisted the female from the water using the NSRI pink rescue buoy.

The father was also able to assist to bring them out of the water.

NSRI commend the rescue efforts of both of the teenagers.

This brings the number of people that we know of who have been rescued with the help of a Pink Buoy to 152. All in water rescues have been successful and no harm has come to any of the rescuers who have used a Pink Buoy to help someone in danger of drowning.