Two young girls, aged 12 and 15, drowned in KZN on Saturday

Paramedics said the two young girls, both friends drowned after they were swept out to sea by strong rapids.

THE TWO YOUNG GIRLS WERE PLAYING IN THE SURF

The Mi7 National Group’s Emergency Medical Services was dispatched after a request for assistance from the police’s Search and Rescue teams in Park Rynie, South Coast.

“It is believed their families were holidaying in the area, and the girls, aged 12 and 15, were playing in the surf when the current pulled them deeper.”

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A STRONG CURRENT PULLED THEM DEEPER

According to Mi7 Medical Services, police teams had embarked on a widescale rescue operation.

“Bystanders recovered the body of the 15-year-old who had drowned, and extensive rescue operations by police, Mi7 medics, and their counterparts from other service providers, were underway to find the 12-year-old.”

Mi7 Medical Services

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THE SEARCH FOR THE BODY OF THE 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IS STILL ONGOING

The search was called off until Sunday morning due to oceanic conditions.

It’s the festive season, a time when holidaymakers will be flocking to beaches for some relaxation.

While this may be an opportunity to relax and have fun at the beach, remember that accidents can happen at any time. Have a look at these helpful safety tips to keep your family safe at the beach these holidays.

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Beach safety

• Swim only where lifeguards are on duty, and signs indicate that it’s safe to swim.
• Make sure that lifeguards can see you when you’re in the water.
• Don’t swim when lifeguards are off duty.
• At the beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags. These indicate safe and supervised swimming areas. Areas outside these flags might conceal dangerous currents and tides. Only swim in areas where other people are present.
• Surfers and body-boarders shouldn’t surf in areas where bait and game fish are running, where seals are present, or seabirds are diving.
• If you find yourself in trouble, raise your arm to attract the lifeguards’ attention and don’t panic.
• If you see someone in trouble in the sea, alert the lifeguards or find help. Don’t put your own life in danger as well.
• Don’t swim or drive motor boats while under the influence of alcohol. It dulls the senses, slows reaction times and can cause irresponsible behaviour. Alcohol isn’t allowed on Western Cape beaches. If you’re found with alcohol, you will be fined, and your alcohol confiscated.
• Know how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or how to blow air into another person’s lungs until help arrives.
• Don’t dive from tidal pool walls, as this has been known to result in spinal injuries.
  Swim only at low tide when no waves are breaking over the walls. The pools provide a safer option to swim in than the oceans, as the currents are kept at bay.
• Don’t take out small or unstable boats far from shore in choppy water or stormy weather.
• Ensure that you protect your skin from too much exposure to the sun. Too much sun can cause sunstroke/heat stroke. Keep hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, excluding alcoholic drinks.
• Stay indoors during the hottest time of the day (11 am to 3 pm), and make use of sunscreen, hats and other attire.

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