At 10h01, Tuesday, 02 January, NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew and NSRI Melkbosstrand lifeguards attended at Main Beach Melkbosstrand where a surfer, Sheldon Brissett, from Durban, had rescued a 17 year old man from the surf and on reaching the beach had started performing CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts on the teenager.

It appears that the 17 year old had gotten into difficulty while swimming and his friend, 18, had tried to help him but also got into difficulty.

The surfer had noticed the incident and rushed to assist getting the 17 year old out of the water.  He was not breathing and in cardiac arrest. The 18 year old was not injured. Both are from Malmesbury.

NSRI Melkbosstrand lifeguards, arriving at the beach for their duty day, which begins at 10h00 each day, saw the commotion on the beach and rushed to assist taking over the CPR efforts.

An NSRI paramedic then arrived and CPR efforts continued.   NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew arrived and ER24 ambulance services, Community Medics, Life Healthcare response paramedic, Law Enforcement, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, WC Government Health EMS, Blouberg Surf Lifesaving lifeguards, the SA Police Services and Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch assisted on the scene.

The teenager was stabilised and transported to hospital by ambulance in a critical condition but sadly succumbed once at hospital.  Despite ongoing efforts by doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he was declared deceased.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

NSRI appeal to the public to only swim where and when lifeguards are on duty. NSRI Melkbosstrand lifeguards duty day begins at 10h00 each day. – NSRI