The search for a teenager who was swept out to sea in uMdloti, KZN, yesterday is ongoing as divers from SAPS and Metro Search and Rescue, and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), continue operations.

Northglen News reports that the 17-year-old was with two friends swimming in the area when they got into difficulty just after 16:00.

Two boys, aged 18 and 19, were rescued from the water by eThekwini lifeguards while the third boy was swept away in a rip current.

The rescued teens were treated for hypothermia but were otherwise uninjured.

Andreas Mathios from Marshall Security says they were called to the scene with Netcare 911 paramedics.

According to reports, while the teens are not local to the area, they are from KZN, and had come down to the beach to swim.

In a separate incident, a little over a week ago at Durban’s New Beach, a man drowned after getting into difficulty in the sea.

Meanwhile, the NSRI said over the past three weeks, rescue crews have seen a notable increase in emergency responses, many involving families and children on holiday at beaches, rivers, dams and swimming pools.

“Public vigilance, lifeguard services and community collaboration continue to save lives every day,” says Andrew Ingram, NSRI communications manager.

By December 10, NSRI volunteers had responded to 13 drownings in progress in the preceding three weeks. Seven of these were fatal drownings. This does not include incidents that the NSRI was not called out to.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.