GEORGE NEWS - A swift response by bystanders and emergency services helped save the life of a 24-year-old international student pilot caught in rip currents at Herolds Bay on Wednesday morning, 25 March.
According to National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Wilderness station commander Jonathan Britton, duty crew were activated at 10:40 following reports of a drowning in progress.
NSRI rescue swimmers responded directly to the scene, while additional crew members made their way to the NSRI Herolds Bay Station 23 satellite base to dispatch emergency equipment. ER24 and Western Cape Government Health EMS were also activated.
While responders were en route, a surfer from Cape Town noticed the unfolding emergency while driving into Herolds Bay with his wife. Acting without hesitation, he parked his vehicle, grabbed his surfboard and entered the water.
He reached the man, who was reportedly unconscious and face down in the surf, and managed to secure him onto his board before paddling back towards shore.
As he approached the beach, additional bystanders from Haarlem waded into the water to assist, helping to carry the man safely onto the beach.
Local community members, along with the man’s fellow student pilots, assisted on shore until NSRI medics arrived and continued treatment. Paramedics from ER24 and EMS soon joined the effort
The man, who is from India and part of a group of international student pilots undergoing light aircraft flight training in South Africa, had been swimming when he was caught in rip currents.
He was stabilised on the scene before being transported to the hospital by ambulance in a serious but stable condition. He is currently recovering under medical care and is expected to make a full recovery.
Britton commended the actions of the surfer and assisting bystanders, as well as the Herolds Bay community, for their quick thinking and teamwork.
“Their combined efforts contributed to a life saved,” he said.
NSRI also extended its thoughts to the man, his fellow pilots and his family as he continues his recovery.
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