Teen Drowns At KZN Non-Bathing Beach As Drownings Surge

A teenage boy tragically drowned at a non-bathing beach in Umgababa, south of Durban, on Sunday, adding to the concerning rise in drownings across South Africa this summer.

Incident Overview

Dhaya Sewduth, president of Lifesaving South Africa, confirmed the incident, which occurred at Umnini beach in Umgababa around midday.

“Lifeguards from Amanzimtoti main beach responded to a call about a drowning in progress,” Sewduth explained. “On arrival, it was reported that a teenage boy had drowned. A search along the coastline was initiated, and on Monday, the SAPS search and rescue unit continued efforts to locate the victim.”

This incident follows the drowning of another young male in November at an unpatrolled beach south of Umgababa.

Second Drowning Reported in Cape Town

A second drowning incident was reported on Sunday at Strand beach in Cape Town.

“At approximately 3:10 PM, the family and friends of a 24-year-old male reported that he went under the water and did not surface,” Sewduth said.

Lifeguards, along with the NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute), launched an extensive search for the missing swimmer. The rescue effort, which included rescue craft and police diving services, continued until 7 PM but was unsuccessful. The police water policing and diving services are leading the ongoing search.

Safety Warning from Lifesaving South Africa

Lifesaving South Africa extended prayers to the affected families and reiterated the importance of adhering to water safety protocols.

Sewduth emphasized the need to swim only at beaches with lifeguards on duty and within the designated red and yellow flagged zones.

“These flags indicate the safest swimming areas monitored by lifeguards,” Sewduth explained. “Hazardous rip currents are common along many stretches of our coastline. Swimming at unpatrolled beaches poses significant risks, and we urge beachgoers to prioritize their safety.”

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