Man’s stark-naked body washes up on Camps Bay beach

At approximately 07:50 this morning [Sunday, 17 February 2013] a lady known as Helen Phillips noticed something floating on the water at Camps Bay beach. She could not immediately identify what exactly it was.

A few minutes thereafter a young female and her boyfriend came along and saw that it was a body floating on the water. The young man went into the water and pulled the body of the unidentified elderly man that is believed to be in his 70’s to the shore.

The local authorities immediately activated and dispatched emergency crews to the scene on incident.

At 08:26 the emergency personnel from Camps Bay Medics terminated their attempts to revive the man. The person was later declared deceased by the paramedics from the Western Cape Government: Department of Health [METRO Emergency Medical Services].

The City’s Law Enforcement and Specialised Services have established a crime scene after the stark-naked body was discovered at Camps Bay beach.

The City’s law enforcement officers inspected the surrounding area for any clothing or towels that could possibly belong to the deceased – however nothing was found.

It is not clear whether the deceased man was swimming at the location of discovery or whether the current washed him up from another point.

The incident was handed over the South African Police Services [SAPS] for investigation because of the suspicious nature of the case.

The incident is being considered an unexplained death.

End

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Source: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects & Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

7 year old boy rescued by lifeguard at Delft Swimming Pool

At approximately 13:30 today [Saturday, 26 January 2013] a male minor nearly drowned at the Delft Swimming Pool.

Qhanami Markus (7 years) from Delft was accompanied to the swimming pool by his cousin.

He found himself in difficulty in the swimming pool and was rescued by lifeguard Cohan Kirby.

The patient was stabilised by the lifeguard and transported to Tygerberg Hospital by an ambulance of the Western Cape Government: Department of Health [METRO Emergency Medical Services].

The boy was admitted to hospital for observation for near drowning symptoms.

End

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Source: For operational enquiries: * Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

12 year old girl rescued by her sister from drowning at Muizenberg Main Beach

Earlier today [Saturday, 26 January 2013] Emilhe Qashani (12 years) nearly drowned at Muizenberg Main beach.

She was helped out of the water by her sister Nolukhlo Diniso (32 years).

The on-duty lifeguards at the beach rendered medical assistance and was further attended to by the paramedics of the Fire & Rescue Services.

She was transported to the False Bay Hospital by an ambulance of the Western Cape Government: Department of Health [METRO Emergency Medical Services].

The condition of the patient is satisfactorily – however she is admitted to hospital for observation for secondary drowning symptoms.

The Khayelitsha girl was on a picnic with her family when the incident occurred.

The circumstances surrounding the near drowning incident are unclear.

End

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Source: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects & Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Bodies of drowned Limpopo teens found

Johannesburg - Limpopo police have recovered the bodies of two teenagers who drowned in a river near Munghonghoma village in Limpopo, the Giyani municipality said on Thursday.

Bophelo Sisa's body was found on Thursday, while Dance Manyama's body was retrieved on Wednesday, spokesperson Steven Mabunda said.

Both were 16-years-old.



- SAPA/News24

Lifeguards rescues 10 year old boy from near drowning at Sea Point pool

At approximately 15:00 today [Tuesday, 15 January 2013] a boy was rescued from near drowning at the Sea Point Swimming Pool.

Duane Botha (10 years) from Kalksteenfontein was on a picnic with his mother at the pools.

According to eyewitness accounts the boy followed some friends and jumped into the big pool.

He was rescued by on-duty lifeguards whereafter he was stabilised.

The boy was swiftly transported to the New Somerset Hospital by paramedics.

The medical doctor on-duty at the hospital indicated that the boy is conscious and will be kept overnight for observation.

End

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town



Source: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects & Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

City records first two drowning incidents due to irresponsible behaviour

MOUILLE POINT: At 10:00 this morning [Wednesday, 26 December 2012] the body of Bukho Ntsondwa (6 years) from Nyanga that washed off the rocks was recovered by rescue divers. Yesterday the deceased was on a picnic with her mother and family. The family gathered on the rocks at Mouille Point that is not a designated bathing area. At the time the deceased was playing on her sister’s back when a wave washed them off the rocks and the body of the deceased was swept off-shore. Divers from the City’s Law Enforcement Marine Unit, the Fire & Rescue Services, South African Police Services and the NSRI conducted a joint search and rescue mission in an attempt to find the body. Due to rough sea conditions and poor visibility the search was called-off last night. The search for the missing body resumed at first light this morning [Wednesday, 26 December 2012]. After two successful attempts the body of the girl was discovered entangled under bamboos some 10 metres away from where the incident took place. To body remains were removed by the Western Cape Government: Department of Health [Forensic Pathology Services] to the Salt River State Mortuary. The family was provided with trauma counselling and prepared to positively identify the body.

HOUT BAY: At 12:15 on Wednesday, 26 December 2012, a 22 year old male known as Siphamamndla Jamce, found himself in distress whilst swimming approximately 200 metres up river mouth of the Disa River at Hout Bay Beach. The area is prohibited for bathing and is not a designated swimming area. He was recovered by volunteers of the Disaster Risk Management Centre, law enforcement officers and on-duty lifeguards. At the time of recovery of the patient from the water he was unconscious and was revived by paramedics. The patient was airlifted with an air ambulance of ER24 to Grootte Schuur Hospital for further medical treatment. The attempts by the medical staff on-duty at the hospital to completely resuscitate the patient were unsuccessful. At 16:45 the doctor on-duty at the emergency trauma unit declared the patient from the Imizamo Yethu Informal Settlement in Hout Bay as deceased. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

MELKBOSSTRAND: At approximately 13:00 an eight (8 year old) male [Luyanda Skafungana] residing in Atlantis found himself in distress at Melkbosstrand. The lifeguards on-duty recovered the boy from the water whereafter he was stabilised. The boy was on picnic with his aunt on the beach. He was admitted to the general ward of the Wesfleur Hospital in Atlantis for observation for secondary drowning symptoms and is in a stable condition.

TABLE VIEW: At 13:59 the on-duty lifeguards observed a male minor in distress opposite the KFC on the corner of Otto Du Plessis and Beach Road, Blaauwberg. Upon arrival of the volunteers of Disaster Risk Management Centre; emergency personnel from the Fire & Rescue Services and from South African Paramedic Services the 15 year old male [Waylin De Vos] was already recovered from the water by bystanders. The patient was transported by ambulance to the Somerset Hospital. It is alleged that the patient was under the influence of alcohol and narcotics.

CLIFTON: At 14:00 today [Wednesday, 26 December 2012] an adult male [Anton Magnus, 34 years) was body surfing on Clifton 1st Beach. He collided with another swimmer and sustained back injuries. The Clifton Surf Livesaving Club responded to the person in distress. The patient residing in Wynberg was transported by the air ambulance of ER24 to Milnerton Medi-Clinic for further medical treatment. The medical staff at the hospital confirmed that the condition of the patient is stable.

MUIZENBERG: At 14:25 a year old male [Nick Sumba] found himself in distress at Muizenberg Beach. At the time of the incident the boy was playing with his sister in the river mouth running into the sea and his body was submerged by water. He was swiftly rescued by the on-duty lifeguards. The patient was transported to False Bay Day Hospital for further medical treatment and near drowning symptoms observation. The patient was left in the care of his family at the hospital that hails from Capricorn Park near Muizenberg.

Residents and visitors are requested to adhere to the following safety tips on beaches:

· Swim only where there a lifeguards and where signs indicate that it is safe to do so

· Make sure that lifeguards can see you when you are in the water

· Do not swim where lifeguards are not present

· Always swim between the red and yellow flags. These indicate safe, supervised swimming areas. Areas outside these flags might conceal dangerous currents and tides. Only swim in areas where other people are present

· If you find yourself in trouble, raise your arm to attract the lifeguard’s attention. Try not to panic as this will tire you

· If you see someone else in trouble in the sea, alert the lifeguards or find help. Do not put your own life in danger as well

· Don’t drink alcohol before swimming or driving motor boats. The use of alcohol dulls the senses, slows the reactions and can lead to irresponsible behaviour

· Don’t dive from tidal pool walls – this can result in spinal injuries

· Do not take small or unstable boats out far from the shore in choppy water or bad weather

· Adults must at all times supervise minors at swimming pools and at beach areas.

End

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Supplied by: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Search for missing girl resumes that was washed off the rocks at Mouille Point on Christmas Day

At approximately 17:48 on Tuesday, 25 December 2012, the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre was informed of a possible drowning incident at Mouille Point [near the Put-Put Mini Golf Course].

Emergency personnel from the Disaster Risk Management Centre, Fire & Rescue Services, Law Enforcement, Metropolitan Police Department, the South African Police Services, METRO Emergency Medical Services and the National Search Rescue Institute [NSRI] were dispatched to the incident.

Upon arrival it was established that a six (6) year old girl was washed off the rocks out to sea that was witnessed by the mother.

The authorities deployed divers on the seaward side of the shoreline from the Fire & Rescue Services and the NSRI to search for the girl.

At 18:17 additional divers from the City’s Law Enforcement Marine Unit and the METRO Emergency Medical Services also assisted for with extended search operation.

The services of SKYMED 1 the emergency helicopter from S.A. Red Cross Air Mercy Service was also employed to aid the operation with extended air search for the missing child.

At 21:25 the body was not recovered and divers terminated the search mission due to rough sea conditions and poor visibility.

The girl that was reported washed off the rocks is Bukho Ntsmondwa (6 years) that resides in Nyanga.

The girl was on picnic with her mother [Nomela Ntsmondwa] and other family at the time of the incident.

Social workers from the Western Cape Government: Department of Social Development has provided trauma counselling and will further provide assistance to the family members.

At 06:50 this morning [Wednesday, 26 December 2012] the disaster management officials, divers and other agencies resumed with the search mission.

Residents and visitors are requested to adhere to the following safety tips on beaches:

· Swim only where there a lifeguards and where signs indicate that it is safe to do so

· Make sure that lifeguards can see you when you are in the water

· Do not swim where lifeguards are not present

· Always swim between the red and yellow flags. These indicate safe, supervised swimming areas. Areas outside these flags might conceal dangerous currents and tides. Only swim in areas where other people are present

· If you find yourself in trouble, raise your arm to attract the lifeguard’s attention. Try not to panic as this will tire you

· If you see someone else in trouble in the sea, alert the lifeguards or find help. Do not put your own life in danger as well

· Don’t drink alcohol before swimming or driving motor boats. The use of alcohol dulls the senses, slows the reactions and can lead to irresponsible behaviour

· Don’t dive from tidal pool walls – this can result in spinal injuries

· Do not take small or unstable boats out far from the shore in choppy water or bad weather

· Adults must at all times supervise minors at swimming pools and at beach areas.

End

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Source: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Member of public and disaster management volunteers save life of boy that dived from Harmony Park tidal pool wall

At approximately 16:49 today [Sunday, 23 December 2012] a male minor dived from the tidal pool wall at the Harmony Park Resort along the False Bay coastline.

Zain Daniels [25 years] that is a member of the public living in Strand noticed the boy in distress and it appeared as he was drowning where-after he recovered the minor from the water.

The volunteers of the Disaster Risk Management Centre that renders beach patrol duties were activated and responded to the incident.

The professional team of medical trained volunteers from Macassar determined that the boy sustained spinal injuries that include the cervical nerves, i.e. head and neck, diaphragm, deltoids and biceps.

The patient was treated for spinal cord injuries as the accident resulted in the possible damage to the cells of the vertebral cord that could result in loss of communication between the brain and the parts of the body below the injury.

The volunteers were further assisted with the stabilization of the patient by the Gordon’s Bay Private Ambulance Services.

An ambulance from the Western Cape Government: Department of Health [METRO Emergency Medical Services] transported the injured boy to the Helderberg Hospital [Hottentots-Holland Hospital] for further medical treatment.

The minor male, Nathaniel Martin [10 years], that resides in Strand were on an excursion with his parents to the resort.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre appeals to bathers not to dive from rocks and from the walls of swimming pools to avoid serious injuries.

End

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Source: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Adult male hospitalised after swimming under the influence at Muizenberg

At approximately 11:50 today [Saturday, 22 December 2012] the disaster management volunteers together with the City’s Law Enforcement Marine Unit responded to an adult male in distress at Muizenberg Beach.

Senzo Tnisan (28 years) that resides in the Barcelona Informal Settlement (Nyanga) nearly drowned and was recovered from the water by disaster management volunteers and the City’s Law Enforcement Marine Unit.

After the patient was assessed and declared stable whereafter he was transported to the False Bay Hospital by an ambulance of the Western Cape Government: Department of Health [METRO Emergency Medical Services] for near drowning symptoms.

The officers on the scene confirmed that the man was under the influence at the time of incident.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre appeals to bathers not to drink before swimming as it dulls the senses, slows the reactions and can lead to irresponsible behaviour.

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town


Source: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

45 drowned in Eastern Cape this month

Forty-five people have drowned in the Eastern Cape so far this month, many of them in rivers after recent heavy rains, police said on Friday.

Most of the drownings happened in the Tsitsa and Mzimvubu rivers, Captain John Fobian said.

Others had drowned in the Buffalo and Swartkops rivers, at Bluewater Bay, at Tina Falls, and in various dams.

In one case a circumcision initiate drowned in a quarry at Port Alfred while trying to help a fellow initiate who had been battling in the water.

The drownings have prompted police to warn people not to drink alcohol before entering the water, and for children to be under supervision when swimming.

"The recent heavy rains have also not made it easy to swim as the waters are torrent[ial] and difficult to swim in, thereby resulting in the drowning in many rivers," read a police statement.

"They also make it difficult for police divers... as some of the bodies are carried by the water very far away from the place of entry and drowning."

Eastern Cape police warned that nets over swimming pools, and fences and gates around them, should be well maintained and securely placed at all times.

On beaches bathers should swim only where lifeguards were on duty and within demarcated areas.

- Times Live

5 year old boy rescued by brother at Gordon’s Bay Beach

At approximately 16:09 today [Monday, 17 December 2012] the disaster management volunteers that performed duty along the False Bay coastline was alerted of a minor male in distress at Gordon’s Bay Beach.

Vuzi Swartbooi (5 years) was recovered from the water by his brother that was on picnic were their aunt on the beach.

The volunteers and the lifeguards that are trained to perform water rescue and intermediate life support assessed the boy for near drowning symptoms.

The volunteers and lifeguards were further assisted by paramedics from the Western Cape Government: METRO Emergency Medical Services and declared the patient stable.

There was no need for the boy from The Leagues in Mitchell’s Plain to be transported to hospital and was left in the care of his aunt.

The brother, Ngazibini Swartbooi (13 years), was commended for his heroic act of saving his sibling.

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town


Source: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

7 year old boy from Nyanga admitted to hospital after near drowning in Sea Point

At 16:45 today [Sunday, 16 December 2012] the City’s Emergency and Disaster Risk Management Centre were alerted regarding a near drowning incident at Rocklands tidal pool, Beach Road in Sea Point.

Simanye Gobuza (7 years) from Nyanga in Cape Town found himself in difficulty in the water.

He was rescued recovered from the water by nearby bathers.

The boy was stabilised on the scene by the paramedics of the Fire & Rescue Services with the assistance of the Western Cape Government: METRO Emergency Medical Services and transported to New Somerset Hospital.

The paediatrician determined that the patient should remain in hospital for observation for the next 24 hours for near drowning symptoms.

End

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town



Supplied by: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Bystanders rescues 9 year old boy from drowning at Woodbridge Island

At 15:45 today [Saturday, 15 December 2012] the City’s Emergency and Disaster Risk Management Centre were alerted regarding a near drowning incident at Woodbridge Island in Milnerton.

Ambrose Rwizi (9 years) from Summer Greens in Cape Town found himself in difficulty in the water. He was rescued by nearby bathers and family members.

The boy was stabilised on the scene by ER24 and transported to Milnerton Medi-Clinic.

The paediatrician at the hospital has decided that the patient should remain in hospital for observation for the next 24 hours for near drowning symptoms.

End

Issue by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town



Supplied by:

For operational enquiries: * Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Body of angler recovered at Muizenberg after been swept off the rocks yesterday

Late yesterday afternoon the shark spotters at Muizenberg have observed a body floating ashore approximately 40 metres off-shore between Baileys Cottage and Surfers Corner at Muizenberg.

The City’s Marine Unit of the Law Enforcement & Specialised Services together with the NSRI was activated that has conducted an extensive search and rescue mission.

The search and rescue mission was terminated at sunset as the visibility was unfavourable and their efforts resumed at first light this morning.

Yesterday there was a fresh south-easterly coastal wind at 35 kilometres per hour in the morning at 2.5 metres that reached up to 3 metres in the afternoon.

This morning the officers of the City’s Law Enforcement & Specialised Services that searched the coastline found a set of dentures, a baseball cap, a packet of Chicago cigarettes, lighter and spectacles on the rocks about 100 metres from Baileys Cottage in the vicinity of St James beach. The items were handed over to the Muizenberg SAPS.

This morning the family of the deceased has reported the deceased person as missing at the Muizenberg police station.

At 10:30 this morning the body of the deceased were found on the rocks near Rocky Beach at Muizenberg and the City’s Law Enforcement & Specialised Services, SAPS Diving Unit and the NSRI recovered the body.

It is believed that the deceased, Premduth Parboo (59 years), from Steenberg was angling when he was washed off the rocks and presumably drowned.

The family members of the deceased were on-scene upon recovery of the body remains and the Western Cape Government: Department of Social Development rendered emergency psychosocial trauma counselling.

The South African Police Services has opened an inquest docket to investigate the incident.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre appeals to all beach-goers to be cautious as rough seas and strong currents making conditions dangerous.

End

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Source: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects & Disaster Operations Centre, Disaster Risk Management Centre

Matriekleerder verdrink in Ballito

Johannesburg – 'n Matriekleerder het Vrydagmiddag in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal verdrink, het paramedici gesê.

"Die seun en sy vriende het glo die middag gaan swem toe hy skielik onder die water verdwyn het," het 'n woordvoerder vir Netcare911, Chris Botha, gesê.

Polisieduikers en nooddienspersoneel is ontbied om na die agtienjarige te help soek.

Sy liggaam is uit die La Mercy-strandmeer gehaal, maar paramedici het die tiener op die toneel dood verklaar.

- SAPA/Nuus24

Swimmer rescued from the surf

Johannesburg - A man was in critical condition in hospital after he was rescued from drowning at Windmill Beach in Simon’s Town on Sunday, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said.

NSRI station commander Darren Zimmerman said the crew was called to the scene at 12.55pm.

He said rescue teams found the 30-year-old man on the beach with the stand-up paddle boarder who had rescued him.

“It is believed that the man, who is reportedly from Pretoria, had been face-down in the surf for at least 10 minutes before the stand-up paddle boarder had reached him and rescued him from the surf,” said Zimmerman.

Witnesses told paramedics that the man had difficulty while swimming in the sea, he said.

“Following approximately 50 minutes of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), the patient was airlifted to hospital by the Skymed helicopter.”

The man, whose name was not released, was in critical condition, Zimmerman said.

- Sapa/IOL

Fisherman rescues drowning child

A five-year-old girl is in a serious condition after nearly drowning off Amanzimtoti's main beach.

ER24's Derrick Banks says the child had been playing in the water when she got swept out to sea at around 11am.

She was pulled to shore by a fisherman who had seen her disappear under the surf.

Banks says the girl was under water for more than five minutes.

"ER24 paramedics rushed to the scene and found the girl on the sand after being rescued. She was stabilised, but was still in a very serious condition, and was transported to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital," he said.

- East Coast Radio News

Two children in home drownings

Two young children have died in the past few days in home drowning tragedies.

In the latest incident yesterday, a four-year-old boy from the Winston Park area near Hillcrest drowned in the swimming pool at his home.

The pool was apparently fitted with a net, but it had been removed.

It's a parent's worst nightmare: a child slips unnoticed into the swimming pool area and - unable to swim properly - drowns.

In the Winston Park case, the little boy was discovered face down in the pool. Despite lengthy attempts to revive him, he had already died.

The second victim was the toddler we reported on last week from Richards Bay, who fell into the pool at her home on Thursday evening.

Medics managed to resuscitate her after more than an hour, and the two-year-old girl was placed on a ventilator in hospital.

However Netcare911's Chris Botha says she tragically died the following day.

- East Coast Radio News

Two year old found floating in the pool

Around 18:00 this evening our Potchefstroom crews were called out to Bailey Park where a baby boy had beenfound floating in the pool at a residence.

The parents went looking for the toddler outside, where they found him face down in the pool. It was not clear as to how he had come to be in the pool, or as to how long he had been in the water for before his father found him and pulled him out. Paramedics arrived on scene and found that the child was cold and had no pulse and they immediately started CPR. They managed to get a pulse back on the child and he was taken to the Mediclinic Potchefstroom hospital on full life support so that he could be further stabilized while arrangements were being made to transfer the child to a specialised facility.

The toddler along with his parents were taken to Garden City hospital by ambulance where the boy was handed over in a critical condition.

- ER24

News Body of missing Eastern Cape teen found

Members of Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage's K-9 unit have found the body of teenage flood victim, John Smit.

Police spokesperson, lieuenant-colonel Priscilla Naidu, says Smit's body was found Algoa Road in Uitenhage on Sunday afternoon.

He had been missing since last Sunday.

Naidu said earlier that police had discovered the body of a second missing man, Lulalama Jack, of Kirkwood on Thursday.

They were among the eleven people to have perished in last week's devastating floods in the Eastern Cape.

- ALGOAFM