Thanks to the Clifton community, a local Aquaman and rescuers, an 8 and 10-year-old were saved from drowning in a heart-racing but alls-well-that-ends-well story.
Clifton Beach, South Africa (03 May, 2023)— In one of South Africa’s many slices of paradise, rough waters struck and dragged two young children out to sea. Despite Clifton 1st Beach not being known for rough currents, a rip current surged; seeing the two youngsters caught up in the icy waters grips.
However, the Clifton community were quick to action once they saw the pair struggling. The NSRI shares that it received multiple calls from eye-witnesses; one of whom stayed on the line the entire time to relay critical information about the situation.
While Alex Elcock held down the fort on the phone, her husband Andrew raced to assist the little ones in the surf like a local Aquaman. He’s believed to have been joined by 2 others who also leapt to action, ready to face the rough sea conditions of 2-3 meter swells.
Soon, loads of rescuers responded to the call at Clifton Beach. NSRI rescuers were hot on the scene from Bakoven and Table Bay, joined by the City of Cape Town’s water rescue network, EMS Metro Control and the CoCT Law Enforcement. Off-duty Clifton lifeguards also wasted little time in coming to the party.
However, by the time the army of rescuers was present, unknown bystanders were already in the water helping the struggling 10-year-old.
“That child was safe after reaching the beach with the assistance of these Good Samaritans and with the assistance of additional bystanders who waded into the surf to help.”—NSRI.
Meanwhile, Andrew headed toward the 8-year-old who was bravely battling the ocean.
He kept the child afloat (very important for anyone trapped in a rip current!) and eventually rode the current whilst encouraging the boy to make like Dory and ‘just keep swimming’ (ie: tread the water), calming any nerves and guiding the journey back to the shore.
This incredible man taught him how to navigate the waves so as to not get caught up any further, and the child put his trust in the local Aquaman courageously.
“He was not panicking and he kept his wits about him despite the grave danger we found ourselves facing. His bravery is highly commended.”—Andre Elcock.
Eventually, Andrew and the boy were reached by the NSRI rescue swimmers before a rescue craft joined the journey.
The 8-year-old was treated for severe hypothermia. Andrew received hypothermia treatment too.
As for the 10-year-old, he was checked by paramedics but deemed ‘good to go’, while his younger companion was taken to hospital for a ‘serious but stable condition’. In wonderful news, he was released! Now, both kids are healthy and have an incredibly brave story to tell!
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