A KHAYELITSHA man cheats death after nearly drowning at Monwabisi Beach in Cape Town on Tuesday afternoon, 7 April.
The 23-year-old man was rescued just in time by a brave City of Cape Town law enforcement officer from the Marine Unit, who jumped into the water without hesitation.
National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesman Craig Lambinon said an alarm was raised by a local lifeguard.
"At 2.36pm on Tuesday, 7 April, NSRI Strandfontein duty crew were alerted following reports from a local lifeguard to an NSRI Strandfontein duty controller of a suspected drowning in progress at Monwabisi," he said.
Lambinon said several rescue teams were activated as a precaution. These included NSRI Strandfontein, the City of Cape Town water rescue network, shark spotters, EMS and Fire and Rescue Services.
"Local shark spotters confirmed that there was indeed an active drowning in progress in the surf zone," he said.
Lambinon stated that when rescuers arrived, the situation was serious.
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"On arrival on the scene, a CoCT Law Enforcement Marine Unit officer entered the water to go to the aid of a man in distress in the surf zone," he said.
The officer managed to reach the struggling man and bring him safely back to shore. A shark spotter helped pull him out of the water and onto the beach.
Lambinon said NSRI crew members then stepped in to help.
"At that stage our NSRI crewman arrived on the scene, and together they commenced medical treatment on the 23-year-old male from Khayelitsha," he said.
Paramedics from EMS and Fire and Rescue soon arrived and continued treatment.
"The victim was stabilised on the scene before being transported to hospital by EMS ambulance in a stable condition," said Lambinon.
It's believed that the man may have been caught in strong rip currents while swimming.
NSRI praised everyone involved in the rescue.
"NSRI commends the swift response of all involved and we commend the Law Enforcement Marine Unit officer for his efforts that saved the man's life," Lambinon added.
A witness described the scene as "frightening".
"The officer saved this man. He was a hero. He didn't think twice," said the resident.
The witness said things could have ended badly.
