A brother, sister, and mother were saved from the clutches of strong rip currents at East Beach thanks to the bravery of a young surfer who didn’t hesitate to use his board to bring them safely to shore.
Port Alfred, South Africa (11 February 2025) – A normal day out riding the surf took a quick turn when a local teenager, Jason Palmer, noticed a brother and sister caught in a rip current at East Beach.
The 16-year-old surfer, Jason Palmer, has been lauded for his quick thinking and bravery after rescuing three family members at East Beach on Saturday morning, 8 February.
According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), the incident occurred during high tide when a 12-year-old boy and his 19-year-old sister were caught in a strong rip current. Their 42-year-old mother then entered the water in an attempt to assist, but she also became distressed.
Jason Palmer, a student at Port Alfred High School, was exiting the water after a surfing session when he noticed the trio struggling.
“Using his surfboard he went to their assistance loading both casualties onto his surfboard and paddling, and swimming, them towards the shore. Then in the surf zone, he also took the mom onboard his surfboard and he managed to get all three of them safely ashore,” said Gerrit Cloete, NSRI Port Alfred deputy station commander.
Cloete added that the incident had also been posted to a social media site, and by chance, an NSRI crew member’s friend had seen the post on social media and raised the alarm, calling the NSRI.
Rescue swimmers and the NSRI rescue vehicle responded to the scene, while the NSRI Port Alfred crew responded to the NSRI Port Alfred station 11 rescue base, where they launched the NSRI rescue craft Rescue 11 Alpha.
Ambulance services were also activated. On arrival on the scene, all three casualties were found safely on the beach before being assessed by paramedics.
The NSRI commended Jason for his efforts, which saved three lives. They also acknowledged the crucial role played by the individual who spotted the social media post and raised the alarm.
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The NSRI urges the public in Port Alfred and surrounding areas to prioritise water safety and to contact them immediately in any water-related emergency. The NSRI Port Alfred emergency duty phone number is 082 990 5971.
You can also contact the NSRI National Emergency Operations Centre at 087 094 9774 or dial 112 from a cell phone.
Sources: Supplied
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