What looked like innocent play in the Clifton Beach surf could have turned into a tragedy had it not been for the vigilance and dedication of our local heroes in red and yellow.
Clifton Beach, South Africa (13 January 2026) – The watchful eyes of a dedicated lifeguard team were the only thing standing between a young boy and disaster at Clifton 4th Beach on Sunday afternoon, 4 January.
The boy had been playing alone in the shorebreak near the lifeguard tower when he caught the attention of the lifeguards on duty, Len Brandes, Jessie Allot, and Alexa Heldsinger, who monitored him as he repeatedly dipped under the water for a few seconds, floated, and jumped back up to continue playing.
Jay Samuels, who was on a water patrol, also observed the boy’s behaviour and kept a close eye on him.
“As Jay was approaching the shore, the boy stood up, took a few breaths, and went back to floating. This time he remained floating for longer than previously,” Jessie said.
Realising something was wrong, Jay paddled to the boy, found him unconscious and not breathing, and brought him to shore where Jessie met the two and assisted carrying the boy up the beach, as reported by the Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club.
Len Brandes called for backup and medical equipment. CPR was commenced with chest compressions and rescue breaths using a pocket mask.
“Moune Illderton, Devon Weston, Konrad Jehle, Darryl Lindt and Sebastian Illderton responded with a BVM and an AED (automated external defibrillator). After two CPR cycles, the boy regained consciousness, vomited a lot of water and began breathing independently.
“The boy was secured to a spinal board and carried to the medical room. There he was given oxygen and closely monitored,” the club confirmed.
Paramedics reported to the scene and took over treatment before the boy’s family was located. He was transported to New Somerset Hospital in a stable condition.
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Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club emphasises that this incident is a stark reminder of how fast a drowning can happen.
“The entire incident from when the young boy last surfaced to when he was rescued and placed on the shore took 1 minute 40 seconds. [Verified by webcam footage of the incident]. Fortunately this young boy was swimming in between the swim flags in front of the lifeguards and the result was positive thanks to the action of the lifeguards.”
The lifeguards are commended for their fast response and vigilance which helped save a young life in the seconds that counted.
Sources: Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club
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