City of Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has commended a beachgoer, who risked his life to save a swimmer from drowning over the weekend.
According to a report from the city, Brandon Janeka swam into the sea off the coast of Table View, which experiences regular rip currents and is outside of the designated swimming areas at Big Bay and Milnerton where lifeguards are based.
“The City commends Brandon for his bravery in selflessly swimming into rough seas to rescue a woman from drowning.
“The community of Heideveld and all Capetonians can be extremely proud of this young man, who risked his own life to save another, alongside several other heroes who are yet to be identified. It is incredible that these ordinary beachgoers staged this heroic rescue without thinking twice, and saved a life in the process,” Hill-Lewis said.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross, echoed the mayor’s sentiments.
“We commend the efforts of members of the public for their rescue efforts off the coast of Table View on Saturday.
“We call on the public to only swim at designated areas where our dedicated and professional lifeguards are playing a crucial role in safeguarding beachgoers. Please adhere to the rules, and support them, so that we can ensure a safe and memorable beach experience for everyone,” Van der Ross said.
In a statement, the City of Cape Town urged residents and holidaymakers to be careful while visiting the beach and be mindful of the following this festive season:
- 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.
“As the festive season approaches, the City has deployed lifeguards to 29 different beaches, tidal pools and stretches of coast between the hours of 10am and 6pm. To date, 241 seasonal lifeguards have been recruited and deployed to manage the influx to beaches,” a statement from the City read. – SAnews.gov.za
