It has been a busy few weeks for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) despite calls for the public to be safe around the water this summer.
On Thursday January 4, an incident that took place in less than five minutes led to the death of a 60-year-old man who had jumped into the water to assist with a rescue.
Spokesperson for the NSRI, Craig Lambinon, said Tamboerskloof resident Jan de Kock, the eye-witness, and his seven- year-old daughter were walking between Camps Bay beach and Glen beach when at 1.50pm he noticed a man searching among the rocks for his daughter who had been swept out to sea.
The father then jumped in to try to help, as did a 60-year-old bystander.
Mr Lambinon said the father managed to get his daughter back to the rocks and was helped by Mr De Kock, surfers and other people nearby.
“The girl’s father was suffering from exhaustion but he was okay,” said Mr Lambinon.
Unfortunately, the 60-year-old man remained in the water and was found only minutes later but floating face down.
According to Mr Lambinon, Mr De Kock called police to raise the alarm and lifeguards and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services arrived first followed by the Community Medics and ER24 ambulance services and the SA Police Services.
“NSRI commend all who helped in this tragic drowning incident for their swift actions in trying to save this man’s life and for helping the unidentified dad and his daughter.
“Condolences are conveyed to family of the deceased man.”
