Two people have drowned on the South Coast yesterday while a third person remains missing in incidents less than an hour apart at Margate and Palm Beach.

A man and a woman got into trouble after they went swimming near the Margate fishing pier, a few metres away from the swimming area.

In a statement the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said their Shelly Beach crew were alerted of a drowning in progress at Margate pier just after 16:00. Eyewitness reported a man and woman caught in the rip currents.

An unknown bystander managed to get the woman out of the water and onto the beach. He tried to go back into the water for the other person, but was forced back by rough seas because of Spring high tide.

The NSRI commended the man for his brave efforts.

While lifeguards continued to search for the man who disappeared under water, lifeguards, NSRI crew and paramedics attempted CPR on the woman. Sadly, she was later declared dead on the scene.

Simon April, spokesperson of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, confirmed that the search for the missing man continues. The search is being handled by the police and NSRI.

Less than an hour earlier, the NSRI’s Shelly Beach crew were alerted of a drowning incident at Palm Beach.

A man was found on the beach, unresponsive. He was later declared dead by paramedics.

On Friday, the NSRI issued a warning about the full moon Spring tide and the dangers it held with higher than normal high tides and lower low tides impacting the shoreline and sea currents.

The NSRI gave the following tips:

• Swim at beaches protected by lifeguards.
• Ensure that children have responsible adult supervision in and around water at all times.
• Coastal hikers should be aware of coastal hiking trails that can be cut off during the high tide.
• Shoreline anglers should keep in mind that fishing spots may be engulfed by waves during the high tide.
• Inland water users are also urged to be cautious when bathing, boating and paddling on rivers, lakes and dams.
• Follow the SA Weather Service (SAWS) for daily forecasts and around the coast follow daily tide time tables.
• Be aware of adverse weather, strong winds, fast flowing rivers, sea currents and sea drifts.
• Boaters, paddlers and sailors, should wear life-jackets, have safety equipment at the ready and download and use the free NSRI SafeTrx smartphone app.