Local surfer saves drowning man at Wilderness Beach
On the evening of Tuesday, 13 January, the serene shoreline of Lientjiesklip at Wilderness Beach was abruptly transformed into a scene of urgent rescue efforts when National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) crews were activated at 19h37 following alarming reports of a drowning in progress. In a dramatic sequence of events, quick-thinking individuals, including a local surfer, joined forces with emergency services to rescue two swimmers caught in perilous conditions.
As reports indicated, two male swimmers were in distress, one seemingly reaching for rock formations while the other was caught in treacherous rip currents and was quickly being swept further out to sea. This unsettling situation prompted a rapid response from NSRI Wilderness duty crew members, bolstered by other emergency teams, including the George Fire and Rescue Services, South African Police Services, and ER24 ambulance services.
Among the first responders was a local surfer and self-proclaimed Good Samaritan, Cade Harris, who, upon witnessing the swimmers’ struggle, immediately paddled out on his surfboard to provide assistance. His valiant efforts were not in vain; he managed to reach the more seriously affected swimmer—who was showing signs of exhaustion and slipping beneath the waves—brought him onto the surfboard, and keep him afloat while battling heavy swells and rugged conditions.
Upon arrival, NSRI rescue swimmer and a former lifeguard entered the turbulent water, armed with an NSRI pink rescue buoy. Together with Harris, they employed their flotation devices to ensure the man was brought safely to a sandbank, where additional support awaited.
With NSRI lifeguards and municipal firefighters assisting them in the shallow surf, tthe man was ultimately brought to the beach. Medical treatment commenced immediately, as NSRI medics and Fire Services paramedics tended to the victim, who displayed serious non-fatal drowning symptoms.
As paramedics from Metro EMS and ER24 arrived to provide further care, it became evident that the man, aged 29 and hailing from Upington, required urgent hospitalisation. He was subsequently rushed to medical facilities in serious, but stable condition. Fortunately, his recovery unfolded positively, and he was discharged from the hospital early on Wednesday morning.
The commendable actions taken by Cade Harris, alongside the promptness of the NSRI, lifeguards, and the emergency services, are reflective of the noble spirit of community support and bravery, undoubtedly contributing to saving a life during this harrowing incident at Wilderness Beach.
