DURBAN - A holidaymaker had to be rescued after getting into difficulty while swimming at Sheffield Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast on Monday.
IPSS medical Rescue spokesperson Dylan Meyrick said a group of holiday makers entered the water even though the beaches are closed, and one person got into difficulty.
Fortunately they were able to pull the patient from the water and call for assistance, he said.
“The patient was stabilised on scene by IPSS advanced life support before being transported by IPSS Medical to a nearby facility for further care,” said Meyrick.
Meyrick added that the beaches in KZN remain closed due to recent flooding that has resulted in a lot of debris being washed into the ocean and on to beaches.
“We urge people not to swim at this time. Rescue teams are stretched thin as they continue to search for missing victims. By conducting a rescue in the current conditions the lives of rescue personnel and life guards are put at risk,” he said.
This comes after, Lifesaving South Africa appealed to the public on Sunday to stay away from the beaches as lifeguards were part of the search and rescue teams.
“KZN and Durban beaches are closed until further notice. Please stay away from the beaches as we help with search and rescue efforts from the floods. Please do not attempt to swim in rivers or the ocean at present, today [Sunday] we have had five rescues south of Toti which is putting everyone’s lives at risk including the lifeguards.”