A grandmother died after rescuing her grandchild from the ocean before being swept away by a strong current in Amanzimtoti, KZN, yesterday.

Ward 97 councillor André Beetge says a Pietermaritzburg family that was staying at a holiday apartment along Beach Road was spending time at the beach south of Inyoni Rocks.

“A grandmother and grandchild were sitting on the beach close to the surf when a wave broke and swept them in. The grandmother managed to hand the child to the father, after which she was dragged in by the current,” says Beetge.

He adds that lifeguards at the adjacent Amanzimtoti Main Beach were alerted by car guards.

“Lifeguards managed to get her to shore where CPR was administered but, unfortunately, she was declared deceased an hour later,” he says.

He extended his condolences to the family on their loss, and thanked everyone who tried to assist and resuscitate her.

“[This is] another example of just how quickly an innocent visit to an unprotected beach can turn into tragedy,” he adds.