Even on vacation, our heroes in yellow and red don’t stop saving lives. A relaxing family holiday in Bali turned into a life-saving moment when Milnerton lifeguard Kate Rautenbach’s quick instincts helped rescue a struggling father from drowning.
Kuta, Bali (13 July 2026) – When on vacation, it’s time to kick back, relax, and have fun. It should be a time when work and responsibilities take a back seat… however, life had other plans for Milnerton lifeguard Kate Rautenbach while she was enjoying her time off at Bintang Bali Resort in Kuta, Bali.
It was around midday on Wednesday, 8 July, while Kate was relaxing poolside with her dad, when she was startled by splashing and cries for help coming from the pool.
She quickly spotted an adult male struggling in the deep end of the pool, about 10 metres away. Kate immediately jumped off her lounger and dove straight into the water.
“She reached the 30+ year old male swimmer in no time and managed to grab him, keeping him afloat until the pool lifeguard arrived with a flotation device. Together, they guided him to the edge of the pool,” reported Kate’s club back at home, the Milnerton Surf Lifesaving Club.
After the ordeal, it was established that the man had lost his pool noodle in the shallows and followed it into the deep end (1.7m), where he was suddenly out of his depth and struggling to stay above the water.
Despite being off duty, far from home, and barely 24 hours into her family holiday in Bali, Kate sprang into action to save a life in distress, just as she would on any other day while on watch at Milnerton Beach.
The club commended Kate for her vigilance and quick response to the distressed swimmer.
“Her instinctive response, based on years of experience as a lifeguard at Milnerton Beach, averted a tragedy and gave a father back to his family.”
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Sources: Milnerton Surf Lifesaving Club
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