SWIFT action from lifeguards at eMdloti main beach prevented a near drowning after a man was dragged into the water by a strong rip current this morning.

According to Netcare 911 spokesman, Chris Botha, the man is in a stable condition and is currently recovering at an uMhlanga hospital.

“Reports from the scene indicate that the man, a minister from Johannesburg and his family was at the beach when he decided to go for a swim. The man landed in a strong rip current and was quickly pulled out to sea, his head going under the water several times.

“Quick action from the Life Guards diving into the rough sea ensured that they got to the swimmer before he disappeared under the water. Life Guards managed to pull the exhausted man suffering from near drowning symptoms back to the beach where they were met by the Netcare 911 advanced life support paramedic,” he said.