Body of fourth swimmer retrieved in Sea Point drowning incident 

The body of the fourth swimmer who drowned at Sea Point on Sunday 24 November 2019, along with three other youths, has been retrieved on 27 November 2019, by South African police divers and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and returned to the family. 

A group of teenagers had gone swimming at Rocklands Beach on Sunday when a rip current swept them out to sea. All four teens drowned but it has taken roughly four days to retrieve four bodies, a long and grieving process for the families. 

Swimmer’s body retrieved

According to eNCA, divers were in the surf around 06:00 on Wednesday morning, where it took them just over an hour to retrieve the body due to strong currents. 

NSRI’s, Craig Lambinon confirmed that: “On Wednesday morning, a police diving unit recovered the body of an 18-year-old male at Rocklands Beach. Police have opened an inquest docket. Family members have had an opportunity to pay their respects. Condolences are conveyed to the families of all four swimmers. All swimmers have now been accounted for.”

Safety Measures while swimming

Swimmers nationwide are reminded that entering the ocean is risky. They are advised to only swim off beaches with a lifeguard on duty, remaining between the lifeguard flags at all times. The NSRI and emergency services urge beachgoers not to swim under the influence of alcohol and recreational drugs.

Beware of rip currents 

As reported earlier by the TheSouthAfrican.com, “Strong rip currents tend to lure people in because they create a false calm in the surf. When present, these powerful ‘rivers of water’ are a danger to all beachgoers because they can easily pull objects, and people, out beyond the breakers. 

The most important thing is to calm. The second thing is don’t swim against the rip. The best thing to do is lie on your back and float. This will allow you to conserve energy. While you’re floating, raise one arm and call out to seek help. If you’re a confident swimmer, try swimming parallel to the beach towards breaking waves, and out of the rip.”