Lifeguards and Good Samaritans Rescue Two Children from Rip Current at Herolds Bay

Jonathan Britton, NSRI Wilderness station commander, said: At 16h10, Wednesday, 8 January, NSRI Wilderness duty crew were activated following a request for assistance from George Municipal NSRI lifeguards who were engaged in a surf rescue operation at Herolds Bay.

2 children, a male age 12 and a female age 9, from George, were caught in rip currents while swimming.

2 teenagers, males, Good Samaritans, believed to be aged 15 and 18, who were swimming in the lifeguard protected safer swimming area, had seen the 2 children in difficulties and they went to the assistance of the 2 children while lifeguards (George Municipal NSRI lifeguards) - who had spotted the 2 children being swept away in rip currents - had launched into the water to respond to their assistance.

The lifeguards, together with the 2 Good Samaritans, assisted the 2 children safely to the beach.

One lifeguard, who had gone beyond the breakers to ensure there were no additional casualties, stayed afloat offshore until the NSRI rescue craft arrived on the scene and safely brought him back to shore.

WC Government Health EMS, George Fire and Rescue Services and the SA Police Services had also responded.

Both casualties, the 2 Good Samaritans and all lifeguards involved were not injured and no further assistance was required.

NSRI commend the 2 Good Samaritans (who we have not been able to identify) for their efforts that contributed to saving the lives of the 2 children together with the lifeguards.