Two Non-Fatal Drowning Incidents in Kleinmond and Rooi Els Leave Four Hospitalised

Schalk Boonzaaier, NSRI Kleinmond station commander, said: At 09h42, Sunday, 7 December, NSRI Kleinmond duty crew were activated following a request for assistance from Overstrand Law Enforcement officers reporting 2 children, females, age 10 and 11, one from De Doorns and one from Touws River, requiring medical care following a non-fatal drowning accident at Kleinmond Lagoon.

It appears that the 2 children were walking across shallow waters with their grandmother when one child fell into a water hole, in amongst the shallow waters, the second child jumped into the water hole to assist - both children suffered non-fatal drowning symptoms.

NSRI Kleinmond rescue crew responded while WC Government Health EMS, CMC ambulance services and ER24 ambulance services responded.

Both children were being attended to at the Overstrand Municipal lifeguard station in the care of Overstrand Law Enforcement officers.

On NSRI and paramedics arriving on the scene medical treatment was continued and both children were transported to hospital, one by CMC ambulance and one by Metro EMS ambulance, in stable conditions for observation for non-fatal drowning symptoms.

Then at 11h54, Sunday, 7 December, NSRI Kleinmond duty crew were activated following reports of a dad and his son on the beach at Rooi Els requiring medical assistance.

It appears that the dad was body boarding when he was swept out to sea by rip currents. His son went into the water to assist but also got into difficulties. They were able to get to the beach safely but both were hypothermic and suffering non-fatal drowning symptoms.

NSRI rescue crew, ER24 ambulance services and WC Government Health EMS responded.

On arrival on the scene NSRI medics commenced medical treatment on the the dad and his son, from Cape Town, and NSRI were joined on the scene by ER24 paramedics.

EMS Metro Control placed the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter on alert.

The 2 patients were stabilised and both were transported to hospital by ER24 ambulance, the son in stable condition and his dad in a stable but serious condition.

They are both expected to make full recoveries.