Fatal drowning at Strandfontein Beach on False Bay

There was a fatal drowning off Strandfontein beach after a young woman was caught in a rip current while swimming with a friend.

At 18h35, Wednesday, 6 December, NSRI Strandfontein duty crew and the CoCT (City of Cape Town) water rescue network were activated following eye-witness reports of a drowning in progress at Strandfontein Beach, False Bay, between the tidal pool and the NSRI Strandfontein rescue station..

NSRI Strandfontein rescue swimmers, CoCT Law Enforcement, WC Government Health EMS, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, CMR (Cape Medical Response) and the SA Police Services responded.

CoCT Law Enforcement Marine officers, arriving first on the scene, found a 21 year old female in the surfline.

A Law Enforcement Marine senior inspector launched into the surf where he reached the casualty, finding her lifeless in the water, and brought her to the shore where he was assisted by two fellow Law Enforcement Marine officers to recover the female onto the shore where they initiated CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) efforts.

They were joined by additional Law Enforcement officers, NSRI medics, Fire Services paramedics, EMS and emergency services.

After all efforts to resuscitate the female were exhausted sadly she was declared deceased.

The body of the female was taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

We believe the female was caught in rip currents while swimming with a friend.

Condolences are conveyed to family and friends of the deceased female.