One man’s selfless act of bravery has restored many Capetonians’ faith in humanity after he put his safety on the line, to help fellow bathers from drowning.
Brandon Janeka – a Heideveld resident – risked his own life to save a woman and a man from drowning at Bloubergstrand on Saturday afternoon. Janeka reportedly jumped into rough seas to rescue the victims from drowning. He was assisted by a number of other beachgoers, who have not yet been identified. The City of Cape Town confirmed that the incident occurred along a stretch of Table View coastline, which experiences regular rip currents and is outside of the designated swimming areas at Big Bay and Milnerton where lifeguards are based. No drowning-related fatalities were reported on the day along the Table Bay coastline.
In a post that has since made the rounds on social media, Janeka was dubbed a “shining example of courage and compassion”.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has lauded his bravery. The Mayor said the community of Heideveld, and all Capetonians can be extremely proud of Janeka’s heroism.
“The City commends Brandon for his bravery in selflessly swimming into rough seas to rescue a woman from drowning. It is incredible that these ordinary beachgoers staged this heroic rescue without thinking twice, and saved a life in the process, ” said Hill-Lewis.
Mayor @Geordinhl has commended the bravery of Heideveld resident Brandon Janeka who risked his own life to save a woman from drowning off the coast of Table View on Saturday 5 October.
See: https://t.co/DbfAB9TPr4#CTNews pic.twitter.com/ZHKNSVlCff
— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) October 7, 2024
‘SAFETY FIRST’
He has appealed to bathers to only swim where lifeguards are on duty. According to the municipality, lifeguards have been deployed to 29 different beaches, tidal pools and stretches of coast between 10am and 6pm. In addition, 241 seasonal lifeguards have been enlisted and stationed to manage the influx to beaches.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO FOLLOW:
- Only swim where and when lifeguards are on duty, between their red and yellow flags designating the safest bathing areas
- Beware of rip currents
- Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol
- Always actively monitor children in and around water
