Teen swept out to sea at Blythedale beach
The beach had already been closed for the day when the teenager was seen being swept out to sea.
Emergency services have suspended the search for a teenage boy who was swept out to sea at Blythedale beach late this afternoon.
The 16-year-old Gledhow resident was reportedly at the beach with his two friends when he got into difficulty and was swept away from the shore at around 5pm.
“His friends did not see it happening, they just saw him bobbing closer to the mid-break,” said Lifeguard Supervisor Bongani Xulu.
Also read: Near drownings at non-protected Blythedale beach
An off-duty SAPS member who was at the beach at the time noticed the swimmer in difficulty and contacted IPSS Medical Rescue, as well as KDM Fire and Rescue.
KZN: Reports of a drowning at Blythedale Beach allegedly involving a child, Specialised Rescue Unit, With EMS mobile to scene, update to follow. @FatalMoves @_ArriveAlive @News24 @nccourier @SpecialisedResq @IOL @TheMercurySA @ECR_Newswatch pic.twitter.com/ZjUqT4Htsm
— NETCARE 911 (@Netcare911_sa) October 1, 2018
“The IPSS water rescue division, together with KDM lifeguards, went to the beach and initiated an extensive search,” said Paul Herbst of IPSS Medical Rescue.
At the time of the incident, lifeguards had already closed the beach and the necessary warning flags were displayed.
“We were fighting against the light so at around 6.15pm we suspended the search. We will resume tomorrow morning at 6.30am,” said Xulu.
The young boy resides with his aunt and attends Nkosi Albert High School.
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