7 teenagers rescued from mass drowning at Kleinmond beach

Nine people, including 7 teenagers, were rescued from rip currents at Kleinmond Main Beach over the weekend.

According to the National Sea Rescue Institute, its NSRI Kleinmond duty crew was activated after it received reports of a mass drowning in progress on Sunday afternoon, after 7 teenagers and 2 adults appeared to be in distress in the surf zone.

According to NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon, all 9 casualties were widely separated from each other, attempting to stay afloat and caught in sea currents in and beyond the surf zone.

NSRI rescue swimmers and 2 male bystander Good Samaritans, using 5 NSRI pink rescue buoys, and assisted by the NSRI Kleinmond rescue craft JetRIB and 2 Good Samaritans, rescued all 9 people from the surf zone, bringing all 9 casualties to the beach.

“The 9 casualties were medically assessed by paramedics. Some displayed non-fatal drowning symptoms but all were released on the scene into the care of parents,” added Lambinon

According to the NSRI, it appears that the teenagers, all aged 13, were attending a 13th birthday celebration when they were caught in rip currents while swimming. A mom and dad had entered the water to assist when they were caught in sea currents.

“The swift response and the assistance of the 2 Good Samaritans is commended.”