Being a lifeguard is one of those jobs that can be considered a calling, and this is especially true for Channah van Coller, who immediately grabbed her fins and a rescue buoy to reach a struggling UK swimmer in a relentless current at Wilderness Beach.
Wilderness, South Africa (23 April 2025) – Channah van Coller’s dedicated training and a profound passion for safeguarding lives shone bright when a UK visitor, Darren Sutton, found himself caught in a rip current at Wilderness Beach and was dragged over 100 metres out to sea despite being an experienced swimmer.
It was Darren’s wife, Linda, who first noticed something was amiss and alerted the lifeguards, who were about to start their duty, National Sea Rescue Institute reports.
Channah immediately grabbed her fins and an NSRI rescue torpedo buoy and launched into the surf. Reaching Darren in the powerful current, she secured him and began the difficult swim back toward the beach. With the assistance of lifeguard squad leader Josh Scholtz, Channah battled for over twenty minutes in challenging conditions before returning Darren safely to shore.
For this true display of bravery that saved a life, Channah was honoured for her rescue and presented with the NSRI Chief Executive Officer’s Letter of Appreciation by NSRI CEO Mike Vonk during a ceremony held in her honour at the NSRI Wilderness Sea Rescue base on Wednesday, 16 April.
Vonk, who presented the award, praised Channah’s composure under pressure and lifesaving abilities, saying:
“Channah’s decisive action, physical endurance, and commitment to assisting others embody the spirit of service that defines the NSRI.”
In her remarks, Channah credited NSRI Lifeguard Manager Mike Wood for his role in preparing her for moments like these:
“His training is intense and gruelling; yet you walk away feeling empowered and capable of achieving more than you ever thought possible.”
Sources: National Sea Rescue Institute
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