In an incident on Sunday at Victoria Bay, a popular coastal spot in George, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Wilderness duty crew was activated following urgent reports from lifeguards regarding a drowning in progress. The incident unfolded on a day when NSRI lifeguards were at the beach conducting pre-Summer season training.

Eyewitnesses alerted the NSRI lifeguards to a 35-year-old local woman who appeared to be in distress amidst the shallow surf. Initially swimming alongside a man, they both encountered difficulties that prompted observers to quickly signal for help. The man managed to make it to safety, but concerns grew as the woman was seen floating face down and seemingly unresponsive.

Responding swiftly were the NSRI lifeguards on the scene, who were soon joined by rescue swimmers, paramedics from the Western Cape Government Health Emergency Medical Services, police services, and fire and rescue personnel from George, as well as ER24 ambulance staff. Their collective efforts were joined by two unidentified surfers, recognised as Good Samaritans, who provided valuable assistance in recovering the woman from the water.

Following her recovery, the NSRI lifeguards immediately commenced Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) efforts. The seriousness of the situation escalated as additional medics joined in trying to revive her. Despite thorough and extensive attempts, the lifesaving efforts were unfortunately unsuccessful, and she was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

The incident has since been referred to the authorities, with the woman’s body now under the care of the Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services. In light of this tragic event, police have initiated an inquest docket to determine the circumstances surrounding the drowning.

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