GEORGE NEWS - An NSRI lifeguard has been formally honoured for her bravery after saving the life of a tourist caught in a rip current at Wilderness Beach earlier this year.
Channah van Coller received the NSRI Chief Executive Officer’s Letter of Appreciation from NSRI CEO Mike Vonk during a ceremony at the NSRI Wilderness Sea Rescue base on Wednesday 16 April.
The award acknowledges her courageous efforts during a rescue operation in January that helped save the life of a UK tourist.
On the morning of Friday 17 January, Darren Sutton from the United Kingdom went for a swim at Wilderness Beach before the NSRI lifeguards on duty for George Municipality had officially started their shift. Despite being an experienced swimmer, Sutton was swept more than 100m out to sea by a rip current.
His wife Linda Sutton noticed he was in trouble and alerted the lifeguards, who were preparing to begin their day’s shift.
Without hesitation, Van Coller grabbed her fins and a rescue torpedo buoy and entered the surf.
She reached Sutton in the strong current and secured him, initiating a challenging swim back to shore.
She was joined in the rescue effort by lifeguard squad leader Josh Scholtz, and together they battled the conditions for over 20 minutes before successfully bringing Sutton back to the beach.
“This was an extraordinary act of bravery,” said NSRI Wilderness Station Commander Jonathan Britton. “From time to time, a rescue stands out - not merely for the skill and courage it demands - but for the deep impact it has on someone’s life. That day, Darren Sutton’s life was saved.”
Britton added: “Channah, we are incredibly proud of you - not only for your courage and composure in a moment of crisis, but for the example you set for your peers. Your actions reflect the very best of what we strive for at Sea Rescue.”
Van Coller acknowledged the role of NSRI Lifeguard Manager Mike Wood in her training. “His training is intense and gruelling; yet you walk away feeling empowered and capable of achieving more than you ever thought possible.”
Presenting the award, Vonk praised Van Coller’s calm response and determination during the incident. “Channah’s decisive action, physical endurance, and commitment to assisting others embody the spirit of service that defines the NSRI.”
The NSRI reminds beachgoers to only swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty and to be aware of the dangers posed by rip currents.
For more information or to support the NSRI’s work, visit www.nsri.org.za.
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