Teenager saves two lives with Pink Rescue Buoy

What began as a post-match relaxation on a water polo tour quickly became a dramatic life-saving effort, all thanks to 16-year-old Brinn Chivell’s quick thinking and the NSRI’s Pink Rescue Buoys.

In a heart-stopping incident on 29 September 2024, Brinn from Fish Hoek demonstrated remarkable bravery by rescuing a young girl and her father from a dangerous rip current at Victoria Bay.

Brinn and his teammates immediately noticed the ocean’s dangerous conditions as they arrived at the beach. Massive waves, strong rip currents, and onshore winds made it unsafe for swimming. Despite warnings from locals, beachgoers continued to swim, prompting Brinn to stay on high alert. When he saw a young girl struggling in the water, quickly pulled into a rip current, he knew it was time to act.

Brinn grabbed an NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy and rushed into the turbulent water. His lifeguard training allowed him to remain calm and controlled as he swam toward the girl, who was already struggling to breathe. Brinn successfully reached her and brought her back towards safety.

However, the girl’s father had also been caught in the rip while trying to rescue his daughter. Despite exhaustion, Brinn swam back into the treacherous water to assist him. Fellow lifeguard and friend Jared van Heerden joined the rescue effort, and together, they fought the current for several minutes, eventually bringing the man to safety.

“I knew my capabilities and that I could help,” Brinn later explained. “There was no point in wasting all the training I had gone through. It was life or death at that moment.”

The girl and her father were visibly shaken but unharmed, thanks to Brinn and Jared’s swift actions. The family, German tourists, expressed their immense gratitude for the rescue, and Brinn advised them to seek medical attention due to the girl’s seawater intake.

Brinn, a trained lifeguard since 2021, credited his experience and confidence in water safety for his ability to handle the situation. He also highlighted the importance of drowning prevention initiatives and expressed his desire to volunteer for the NSRI one day.

Nicolette Williamson, the teacher in charge of the group, praised Brinn’s quick response. “I had huge confidence in the boys who ran to assist the swimmers in trouble. Not only are they strong swimmers and water polo players, but they are also involved in various rescue societies. Growing up in Fish Hoek, they have the experience and training to handle situations like this, and their bravery made all the difference.”

Andrew Ingram, Communications Manager at the NSRI, also commended Brinn and Jared’s actions. “There can be no doubt that Jared and Brinn saved two lives. Their lifeguard training and the availability of two Pink Rescue Buoys made this possible. This rescue is a testament to the importance of the Pink Buoy initiative, which has now helped save 190 lives.”

This extraordinary act of courage highlights the importance of water safety education and the NSRI’s ongoing efforts to prevent drownings across South Africa’s coastline.