Clifton Lifeguards and NSRI rescue a swimmer in distress – 1st December
Rescue Report: Medical Emergency – Swimmer in Distress
Date: 1st December 2024
Time of Incident: 08:41
Incident Overview:
At approximately 08:41 on 1st December 2024, Duty Patrol Officer Paul Lassen was alerted by NSRI Station 2 Commander, David Rosenberg, regarding a kayaker in distress at Clifton 4th Beach. Members of the public reported that the kayaker was being swept out to sea by strong winds and was seen waving for help.
Response:
Paul Lassen immediately activated off-duty Clifton lifeguards in the area, who promptly responded to Clifton 4th Beach. Lifeguards Teagan Thompson, Darryl Lindt, Glenn Caley, along with Clifton Club Operations Manager Warren Stoman and Nipper Coach and lifeguard Tracey Pooley, were dispatched to the scene. At this point, it was confirmed that a swimmer, participating in a local swim event, was in distress.
Clifton lifeguard Mpilo Madonsela, who was working privately as a lifeguard for the event, noticed the swimmer in difficulty and paddled out to assist. He was soon joined by another lifeguard from the event. Together, they secured the casualty in the water. However, the strong winds were pushing all three individuals out to sea.
NSRI Response and Support:
NSRI’s rescue craft, Spirit of Rotary East London 2, was already en route to Clifton and arrived to assist the lifeguards and swimmer. Meanwhile, Warren Stoman and lifeguard Glenn Caley prepared the Clifton IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) on the beach, as well as the medical room, in anticipation of the arrival of off-duty IRB driver Teagan Thompson and crew member Darryl Lindt and additional medical personnel and lifeguards.
NSRI reported that both the swimmer and two kayakers were secured and that the swimmer was exhibiting signs of hypothermia, requiring immediate medical attention.
Medical Treatment and Recovery:
Upon reaching the shore, Clifton lifeguards, NSRI personnel, a senior lifeguard from the City of Cape Town, and two medical doctors present at the beach immediately assessed and treated the swimmer for hypothermia. The swimmer had been exposed to approximately 10°C water for over an hour, causing their core body temperature to drop to a dangerously low 33.8°C (normal core body temperature is 37°C).
The patient was promptly moved to the medical room for further evaluation and treatment.
At approximately 09:45, a Metro EMS ambulance arrived at the scene and took over the care of the patient. The swimmer made a full recovery on the beach, and no further medical intervention was required.
Conclusion:
The coordinated efforts of Clifton lifeguards, NSRI, Metro EMS personnel and City of Cape Town lifeguards, resulted in a successful rescue and medical intervention. The swimmer was treated promptly for hypothermia and made a full recovery. Well done to all emergency services who responded.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Lassen, Clifton Surf Patrol Officer
Phone: +27 82 923 9332
Email: paul@cliftonsurf.co.za
