18 Learners Rescued, 1 Missing After Durban Non-Bathing Beach Scare

A search operation is ongoing for a missing learner after a group of 18 schoolchildren from Umsinga got into trouble while swimming at a non-bathing beach in Durban.

According to eThekwini municipality spokesperson Mluleki Mntungwa, off-duty lifeguards from Wedge Beach managed to rescue the group at New Beach on Saturday afternoon.

However, one pupil remains unaccounted for.

Search and Rescue Efforts Intensify Along Coast

Mntungwa said search efforts continued into Sunday morning, with multiple agencies involved in the operation.

These include Metro Police, the South African Police Service (SAPS), a Transnet helicopter, and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba was also present during the ongoing search efforts.

Durban Authorities Warn Against Swimming at Non-Bathing Beaches

“This follows an incident in which 18 learners from Umsinga were caught in difficulty while swimming at New Beach late in the afternoon [on Saturday],” Mntungwa said.

He added that authorities are urging the public to avoid swimming in unsafe areas.

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“Mayor Xaba reiterates his warning to the public to avoid swimming at non-bathing beaches and to refrain from entering the water after hours, when lifeguards are off duty.

“Parents and guardians are also urged to ensure that children are under constant adult supervision when visiting the beach.”