A 27-year-old trainee lifeguard died after losing consciousness during a routine ocean swim at Tinley Manor Beach on Thursday morning, November 12.

Nkosinphile Mbambo, from KwaDukuza’s Ward 7, had qualified as a lifeguard just over two weeks earlier and hoped to work for the municipality.

KwaDukuza lifeguard superintendent Bongani Xulu said Mbambo began experiencing discomfort while swimming and called for help from a professional lifeguard accompanying him. He lost consciousness while being assisted out of the water.

The cause of death has not yet been established, but Xulu said there was no indication that Mbambo had drowned.

“It was just a freak thing. It could have been just a medical issue; he did not drown, we know that for sure,” Xulu said.

He said sea conditions were calm, with no large waves or strong currents.

“There were no elements from the ocean’s side that could have caused the harm,” Xulu said.

Mbambo was a capable swimmer who had obtained his lifeguard qualification in Durban on October 27.

“He was enthusiastic about his future in the lifeguarding profession and had expressed his aspiration to serve as a lifeguard for KwaDukuza municipality,” said Xulu.

The municipality’s Marine Safety Unit and the Tinley Manor Beach Civic Association expressed their condolences to Mbambo’s family and friends, remembering his passion for lifeguarding.

Mbambo leaves behind two young children, a daughter (6) and son (4).

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones, fellow lifeguards, marine safety personnel and anyone affected by this devastating incident,” the Tinley Manor Beach Civic Association said.

The association also thanked the emergency personnel and colleagues who responded to the incident.