A 35-year-old woman drowned at Victoria Bay in George on Sunday afternoon despite extensive rescue efforts.
The NSRI Wilderness duty crew was activated at 14:23 after lifeguards, who were conducting pre-summer training at the beach, were alerted by eyewitnesses that a woman was in distress in shallow surf.
She had been swimming with a man when both appeared to experience difficulties. The man managed to reach the shore, but the woman was later seen floating face down and unresponsive.
Lifeguards, assisted by two surfers, brought her out of the water and immediately began CPR. They were soon joined by NSRI Wilderness medics, paramedics from ER24, George Fire and Rescue Services, WC Government Health EMS, and SAPS. Despite prolonged efforts, she was declared dead on the scene.
Police have opened an inquest docket, and the cause of death will be determined by forensic services. The woman’s body has been taken into the care of the Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
The NSRI conveyed condolences to her family and friends.
The NSRI Wilderness duty crew was activated at 14:23 after lifeguards, who were conducting pre-summer training at the beach, were alerted by eyewitnesses that a woman was in distress in shallow surf.
She had been swimming with a man when both appeared to experience difficulties. The man managed to reach the shore, but the woman was later seen floating face down and unresponsive.
Lifeguards, assisted by two surfers, brought her out of the water and immediately began CPR. They were soon joined by NSRI Wilderness medics, paramedics from ER24, George Fire and Rescue Services, WC Government Health EMS, and SAPS. Despite prolonged efforts, she was declared dead on the scene.
Police have opened an inquest docket, and the cause of death will be determined by forensic services. The woman’s body has been taken into the care of the Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
The NSRI conveyed condolences to her family and friends.
