A 35-year-old woman from George tragically drowned at Victoria Bay on Sunday afternoon while swimming with a companion, according to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
The incident occurred in full view of NSRI lifeguards who were conducting pre-summer training exercises on the beach.
Witnesses reported seeing the woman in distress in the surf before she was spotted floating face down.
Quick Response, Heartbreaking Outcome
The NSRI lifeguards immediately sprang into action and were assisted by two unidentified surfers who helped retrieve the woman from the water.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was started on the beach, with ER24 paramedics and NSRI medics joining the efforts soon after.
Despite every attempt to revive her, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Investigation Underway
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
The woman’s name has not yet been released, pending formal identification and notification of her family.
The body of the woman has been taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon expressed the organisation’s condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, calling the event a tragic loss and praising the swift response from lifeguards and bystanders.
This tragedy comes as the summer season approaches, prompting renewed warnings about beach safety.
Authorities urge beachgoers to swim only in designated areas and always when lifeguards are present.
Who are the NSRI?
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a registered non-profit organisation that is committed to drowning prevention and focused on saving lives, changing lives and creating futures for those threatened by drowning in South Africa.
They are unique in South Africa as the only non-profit organisation focusing exclusively on safeguarding lives and livelihoods in South African waters through education, prevention, and rescue operations.
The NSRI envision a nation where drowning incidents are minimised, ensuring the safety of all and strive to innovate, constantly evolve, and extend our water safety initiatives through empowerment and visibility.
Its volunteers are on call 24/7 and are reliant on donations and sponsorships.
