A TEENAGE girl died and another person was rescued in two separate incidents of drowning that police attended to at Wedge Beach, opposite Beach Hotel, South Beach, yesterday evening.

“On arrival, her brother stated that they were all swimming, and his sister (15 years old) was ahead of him when a current washed her away. Others that were swimming nearby saw her being washed away by the sea. Her body shortly thereafter washed up on the beach, however she was unresponsive and was confirmed dead by ambulance on arrival,” explained Captain Carmen Rhynes, SAPS eThekwini District spokesperson.

Rhynes added, “Around the same time, at the same beach, a 43-year-old male encountered difficulty whilst swimming in the sea. An off-duty pool supervisor went to rescue the drowning victim. He managed to rescue him and bring him safely to shore. He was treated for near drowning by emergency service and taken thereafter to hospital.”

Also read: Drownings are quick and silent, warns NSRI

Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality has urged beachgoers to exercise caution.

“Durban Metro Police Service’s Boysie Zungu shared, “We urge all beachgoers to exercise extreme caution while enjoying the ocean. Do not swim if you are not confident in your swimming abilities. Always listen to lifeguard instructions and only swim in designated safe areas. Avoid risky behaviors that put yourself and others in danger. Swim in designated areas at the specified times (06:00-18:00).”

In December 2024, a man believed to be in his 30s died at Wedge Beach despite efforts to revive him by eThekwini Metro Police Search and Rescue and lifeguards. The man was suspected to have drowned after struggling against the waves while swimming at the popular beach.

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here