GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - A British tourist, Darren Sutton (59) owes his life to the swift and heroic actions of an NSRI George Municipal lifeguard after being caught in a dangerous rip current at Wilderness Beach.
Darren, a seasoned long-distance swimmer from Northumberland, UK, was enjoying an early morning swim during his South African holiday when he was swept beyond the back breakers by strong currents.
His wife, Linda Barrett, immediately noticed his distress and alerted a team of lifeguards preparing for duty nearby.
NSRI lifeguard Channah van Coller wasted no time, diving into the surf armed with a rescue torpedo buoy. Reaching Darren in the turbulent waters, she instructed him to hold onto the buoy and began navigating the challenging surf to bring him back to safety.
As the duo neared the shore, lifeguard Josh Sholtz joined the effort, assisting Channah in guiding Darren out of the water. Safely reunited with his wife on the beach, Darren was medically assessed by the lifeguards and found to be unharmed, requiring no further medical intervention.
A grateful Darren praised Channah’s professionalism and bravery, stating, “Sea conditions were a lot stronger than I expected. Without the bravery of Channah, I fear what may have happened. Her actions will leave a lasting impression of gratitude on myself and my family.”
The NSRI also commended Linda for her quick thinking in alerting the lifeguards, noting that her vigilance played a crucial role in the rescue.
Darren and Linda met with Channah later that day to express their heartfelt thanks before continuing their holiday in South Africa. Reflecting on the incident, Darren remarked on the importance of respecting the sea’s power, even for experienced swimmers.
This rescue highlights the essential role of lifeguards in ensuring safety at beaches and serves as a reminder of the unpredictable dangers of the ocean.
Watch a video sent by Darren below:
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
