Man found floating between bathers at Wedge Beach, Durban

A man drowned at the Wedge beach on Snell Parade on Tuesday. 

According to Netcare911 emergency services, the man was found floating between a group of bathers. 

THE LIFEGUARDS BROUGHT THE MAN TO SHORE 

“At 13:05 on Tuesday afternoon, Netcare 911 responded to a drowning at Wedge Beach on Snell Parade, Durban Promenade.

“Reports indicate that an adult male was found floating between a group of bathers,” Netcare911 said. 

It said the Ethekwini Lifeguards were notified, who immediately brought the man to shore.

ALSO READ: Man collapse and die at the Umhlanga Main Beach, North of Durban

CPR WAS INITIATED AFTER THE MAN WAS FOUND UNRESPONSIVE 

“After finding the man unresponsive and not breathing, lifeguards initiated CPR.

“Once on scene, a Netcare 911 emergency care practitioner had taken over resuscitation efforts,” it said. 

THE MAN WAS DECLARED DEAD ON THE SCENE 

Sadly the man’s condition rapidly deteriorated, and he was eventually declared dead on the scene. 

“Our condolences to the family of the deceased.” 

ALSO READ: Teenager bit by a seal on Strand Beach in Cape Town

Safety tips for swimming in the sea:

The following tips can help to ensure that you stay safe while swimming in the sea:

• Swim where lifeguards are on duty and keep to the areas demarcated for safe swimming.
• Be mindful of warning signs that may indicate dangerous swimming conditions such as strong currents, sharks, or contaminated water.
• Remember that swimming in the sea is very different to swimming in a pool.
• Steer clear of the ocean if you notice a choppy current with murky water.
• Do not dive into water where you cannot see the bottom, as you could easily injure your neck.
• Check the weather report before going to the beach. Be careful of lightning and do not enter the water until at least 30 minutes after the thunder and lightning have stopped.
• If you get pulled out to sea, stay calm and save your energy. Allow the current to carry you and then swim parallel to the shore until you are out of it. If you cannot swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are out of the rip current.
• Do not be ashamed to call for help if you are in trouble. Anyone, even the best swimmers, can run into difficulties. Signal for a lifeguard as soon as possible. In the interim, stay calm and try to tread water, or if possible float on your back, until they reach you.
• Stay sober at the beach, as alcohol will impair your judgement, making you less careful. Alcohol also dehydrates you.
• Do not make use of floatation devices such as an inflatable bed, noodle and other items, unless you can swim properly, and do not rely on them to keep you afloat and safe in the sea.
• If you go boating ensure the boat is seaworthy and that you are wearing a lifejacket. Don’t go out to sea unless you have checked the weather conditions.