In a statement, the aQuellé Midmar Mile organisers confirmed that the woman who was one of the swimmers encountered difficulty while in the water and went into cardiac arrest during the race.

“A fellow swimmer raised the alarm, prompting an immediate response from rescue and safety personnel stationed at Midmar Dam,” read the statement.

They added the swimmer was pulled from the water, where rescue teams initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The Witness reports that she was then taken to shore and handed over to ER24 paramedics and on-site doctors, who continued intensive resuscitation efforts.

“Despite prolonged attempts to revive her, the woman remained in full cardiac arrest and was transported to Life Hilton Hospital. Medical teams at the hospital continued emergency treatment, but resuscitation efforts were eventually terminated, and she was declared deceased,” read the statement.

Event organisers added the safety of participants remain their top priority and confirmed that all emergency protocols were activated immediately in line with the event’s comprehensive water safety and medical response plans.

“The aQuellé Midmar Mile has extensive safety measures in place, and our water safety and medical teams responded without delay,” the organisers said.

They extended their condolences to the swimmer’s family, friends and loved ones, describing the incident as a tragic loss to the Midmar Mile community.

“Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further personal details have been released. The entire aQuellé Midmar Mile community stands in support of all those affected during this extremely difficult time,” the statement said.

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