Durban — Four people drowned and scores were left injured in three separate drowning and near-drowning incidents along the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal during the December 16 long weekend.
On Saturday KwaZulu-Natal Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Robert Mckenzie said that earlier in the afternoon, emergency services responded to the eThekwini beachfront, Bay of Plenty beach, where a freak wave had washed several people out to sea.
Mckenzie said that three people drowned and paramedics treated a total of 17 patients at the scene who were in serious and critical condition before transporting them through to the hospital for continued medical care.
KZN VIP spokesperson Glen Naidoo added that it is believed a freak wave swept a group of beachgoers against the pier causing multiple injuries.
“Sadly three people, including a teenager, were among those who were declared deceased at the scene,” Naidoo said.
He thanked lifeguards, metro police and other services who worked tirelessly to stabilise and save all other victims.
Naidoo added that the beach was closed off.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that two adults and a teenager were declared dead after they were reportedly swept into the sea by a rip current. Some people were reportedly injured and were treated at the scene before they were taken to hospitals.
“Police are urging holidaymakers and locals to be vigilant at all times at the beaches and only swim in designated areas. Those who cannot swim must ensure that they get into the water under supervision,” Netshiunda said.
On Friday, IPSS Medical Rescue managing director Dylan Meyrick said that a man drowned on Casuarina Beach in oThongathi, north of Durban.
Meyrick said that the IPSS Rescue Division alongside IPSS Medical Rescue responded to the scene of the drowning.
He said that reports from the scene indicate that the man got into difficulty whilst swimming and was pulled from the water by a bystander. The man was unresponsive and CPR was commenced by lifeguards.
“Resuscitation efforts were then continued by IPSS Medical Rescue and Netcare 911. Unfortunately, despite best efforts from all involved the man was declared deceased,” Meyrick said.
He thanked Netcare 911, CERT Emergency Response Tongaat and Specialised Rescue Unit for their assistance on the scene.
He also conveyed his condolences to the friends and family of the deceased.
Police had not commented by the time of publication.
Also on Friday but further up the coast in Ballito, a young man got into difficulty whilst swimming and was pulled out of the water by a KwaDukuza Municipality lifeguard and a member of the public.
Meyrick said the man was in a serious condition and was stabilised by IPSS Medical Rescue Advanced Life Support paramedics and transported to a nearby facility for further care.
He thanked KwaDukuza lifeguards and the member of the public for their assistance.
Meanwhile, IPSS Medical Rescue has introduced a new addition to its rescue fleet for the holiday season.
“Our Aquatic Rescue vehicle will be available throughout December and January to assist with both surf and inland water rescues between Umdloti and Mtunzini alongside our existing rescue units,” Meyrick said.
Daily News