A Durban matriculant put his lifeguarding chops to good use when he joined a group of locals to rescue a man swept up the Umgeni River by a spring tide.
Durban, South Africa (03 September 2026) – A baptism at the mouth of the Umgeni River transitioned into an emergency on Monday afternoon when a man was caught by the incoming spring tide and swept upriver.
Local security officers saw what had happened and followed the distressed man along the riverbank while raising the alarm for others to take heed.
Local Fisherman Roland Theron made the first emergency call to the NSRI. In spotting the man drift past, Njabulu Zondi – a car guard at Kingfisher Canoe Club – flagged down local paddler Tony Botes for help as he was leaving. Njabulu helped Tony relaunch his surf-ski so he could reach the man.
Tony caught up with him around 400 metres upstream. The man was struggling and tried to grab onto the surf-ski, but Tony knew that a capsize could put them both in danger. Tony, with one leg, had paddled out all the way. He encouraged the man to float on his back and guided him towards a shallow sandbank where he could stand upright.
Then, young hero, 18-year-old Clifton School matriculant Cole Nienhuser, jumped in to join the rescue. Cole is an experienced paddler with former lifeguarding experience. He had been training at the canoe club gym when he saw what was happening and swam out to help.
Together, Cole and Tony guided the man along the shallower sections of the river. When they reached deeper water, Cole used a lifeguard rescue technique to hold and swim him safely towards shore, where Njabulu and Roland were waiting to help.
Emergency crews arrived shortly afterwards. The man was medically assessed and didn’t require further treatment.
The NSRI praised everyone who played a role in the rescue. Clifton School also celebrated their matriculant, Cole, for his willingness to step in when it mattered most.
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For Her Birthday, This Dog Groomer Gave Shelter Dogs Pamper Sessions – and 3 Got Adopted!“NSRI commends the local security officers for raising the alarm, Roland Theron for making the first emergency call, Njabulu Zondi for his quick thinking in launching the rescue and alerting NSRI, and Good Samaritans Tony Botes and Cole Nienhuser, whose swift and selfless actions saved the man’s life.” shared the NSRI.
“Cole’s composure, selflessness and willingness to act when it mattered most reflect the character we are proud to see in a #cliftongent,” shared the school.
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