Rescue Report Sunday 9th November 2025
Official Rescue Report: Clifton 4th Beach
Date: 9 November 2025
Time of Incident: Approximately 10:30 a.m.
Location: Between Clifton 3rd and 4th Beaches
Responding Lifeguards: Emily Roff, Tyler Ernstzen, Bailey Senekal, Jenna Loubser, Tanner Gorille, Jack Allot, Sylvie Gorille, and Jay Van Tonder
Patient: 19-year-old male
Conditions: Mild with small waves, a light onshore breeze, and relatively few beachgoers present.
At approximately 10:30 a.m. on 9 November 2025, while lifeguards Emily and Tyler were on station at Clifton 4th Beach, they were approached by a woman reporting that an individual had either fallen or jumped from a rock and sustained a neck injury between 3rd and 4th Beaches.
Emily and Tyler immediately responded, running to the reported location where they found a 19-year-old male lying on the sand approximately ten metres from the water’s edge. He was surrounded by bystanders and appeared conscious but unable to move. Members of the public reported that he had jumped head-first into shallow water, and, upon realising the seriousness of his condition, had dragged him out of the surf.
Recognising the likelihood of a spinal injury, Emily raised the alarm and called for additional assistance, while Tyler returned to the 4th Beach medical room to collect a spinal board.
Lifeguards Bailey and Jenna, stationed on 3rd Beach, were alerted to the incident and proceeded to the scene to assist. Upon arrival, Bailey observed that several bystanders were crowding and touching the patient. She instructed them to move back to allow space for treatment and communicated with the patient’s family, who reported that he was experiencing severe pain around his chest and shoulders and had no movement or sensation below that level.
Tyler returned with the spinal board, accompanied by Tanner, Jack and Jay. Upon being notified of the incident, Tanner had immediately contacted emergency medical services to request paramedic support.
The patient was found lying supine, responsive but struggling to speak. Tanner assessed the patient’s airway and breathing, confirming that he was conscious but unable to move his limbs. Shortly thereafter, Sylvie and Jay arrived to provide further assistance. Sylvie took control of cervical spine stabilisation and coordinated the spinal immobilisation procedure.
Working carefully on the sand, the team maintained full C-spine immobilisation while securing the patient to the spinal board. Despite the challenging terrain, the procedure was completed successfully. The patient was then lifted and carried to the 4th Beach medical room for further medical management.
Upon arrival at the 4th Beach medical room, the patient was placed on the medical bed while remaining secured to the spinal board. Sylvie administered oxygen to assist with breathing and reduce the risk of shock, while Tyler and Tanner continuously monitored the patient’s responsiveness and assessed for any signs of movement in his hands and feet, which remained absent, while keeping the patient calm and reassured throughout. The patient was conscious but in visible pain and distress.
Metro EMS arrived at approximately 11:00 a.m. The patient remained conscious but weak and in significant pain. The lifeguards briefed the paramedics and assisted with the handover. The patient was then transported by ambulance to Groote Schuur Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
The incident was managed with professionalism and efficiency by all lifeguards involved. The team demonstrated strong composure, clear communication, and correct spinal injury management procedures throughout the rescue. Their coordinated response ensured the patient was stabilised, managed with care, and safely handed over to medical personnel for further treatment.
Public Safety Advice: Avoiding Head and Spinal Injuries at the Beach
This incident serves as a serious reminder of how dangerous diving or jumping into shallow water can be. Even small drops or seemingly “safe” spots can hide sandbanks, rocks, or sudden changes in depth that lead to catastrophic injury.
To help prevent similar accidents:
- Never dive headfirst into shallow water.
Always enter feet first — especially in the surf zone, near rocks, or at unfamiliar beaches. - Avoid jumping from rocks or structures.
Depths change constantly with tides and waves. What looks deep one moment may be only knee-deep the next. - Check conditions before entering the water.
Ask the lifeguards on duty about safe swimming areas and current conditions. - Keep a lookout for submerged rocks and sandbanks.
These can be hard to spot, even in clear water. - If someone is injured, do not move them.
Support their head to keep it still, and call for help immediately. Moving someone with a possible neck or back injury can cause permanent damage. - Swim and play only in lifeguarded areas.
Lifeguards are trained to respond quickly — but prevention is always the best rescue.