Lifeguards save family at Noetzie

KNYSNA NEWS - "I don’t even want to think of what could have happened if the lifeguards had not come to their rescue," said Rose Gemmell on Monday, January 9 as she and her husband, Matthew, were driving their son, Richard, and his family to Cape Town airport for their flight back to the UK.

Richard Gemmell, his wife, Colleen and their 11-year-old son, Cohrey had escaped a near tragedy when, Wednesday afternoon, January 4, a strong undercurrent had swept them beyond the flagged swimming area.

Knysna Municipality’s Emergency Services was alerted to the Gemmell’s being in serious trouble at Noetzie Beach on that Wednesday.

Matthew Gemmell explained that his grandson had got caught in the strong currents while swimming. The boy’s mother ran into the water to try to assist him, but battled to reach him. His son then also entered the water to help his family, but the current swept him right out to sea and then onto rocks.

"Colleen was trying to hold Cohrey up as he struggled to breathe, but was taking strain herself," said Rose.

Lifeguards on duty were alerted to their plight, and quickly raced into the water to assist the family. The two lifeguards managed to pull the mother and child out of the water, while a tourist from the Netherlands assisted the father.

"By the time the lifeguards managed to get them safely back on the beach they had all swallowed a lot of water and just lay there exhausted."

"My family are most anxious to thank the lifeguards, ER24 and the staff at Knysna Private Hospital where they were kept overnight for observation," said Matthew Gemmell. "They suffered from shock and cuts and bruises having been buffeted against the rocks, but really feel lucky to be alive. We wish to express our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the way in which these people and members of the public assisted them at great risk to themselves. Thank you!"

Acting Municipal Manager Lauren Waring said that the most experienced lifeguards were strategically placed at Noetzie Beach as it is the most dangerous beach in the area. "I am happy to say that they performed their duties impeccably, and in doing so, ensured that the family was free to enjoy the rest of their time in our beautiful town.”

Matthew and Rose Gemmell said that their son and his family had recovered from their ordeal sufficiently to fly back to England after spending four weeks holidaying in South Africa.

"We had such a fright, but we are just immensely grateful that all ended well," said Rose.

ARTICLE: ANOESCHKA VON MECK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST