GEORGE NEWS - NSRI Wilderness duty crew were alerted to reports of a non-fatal drowning at Victoria Bay on Friday afternoon, 5 February. 

“Reports received from eye witnesses confirmed that a 14-year-old local female had been rescued from the water by off-duty Victoria Bay lifeguards and she was on the beach where a doctor, who happened to be on the beach at the time, was attending to her,” said NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon.

The NSRI, Western Cape EMS and ER24 ambulance services responded. “On arrival at the scene the casualty female was found to be unconscious following a non-fatal drowning accident and she was in the care of the doctor and being assisted by the off-duty lifeguards,” said Lambinion. 

NSRI medics and EMS paramedics stabilised the patient and she was transported to hospital by EMS ambulance in a stable condition.

The NSRI commended the Victoria Bay lifeguards for their efforts and thanked the doctor for his assistance on the scene. “NSRI are informed that the patient was kept in hospital for medical care before being released in good health,” said Lambinon.

 Appeal to public
The NSRI appealed to the public to be cautious in and around coastal and inland waters.

“Only swim at beaches protected by lifeguards and children should have responsible adult supervision in and around water; and don’t try to cross rivers that are in flood,” said Lambinon.

This appeal follows on a weekend where NSRI and the emergency services attended to multiple serious incidents, including fatal drownings, throughout the country.

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