AN elderly man drowned at eMdloti tidal pool after experiencing difficulty while swimming on Monday afternoon (February 14).

According to Netcare 911 spokesperson, Shawn Herbst, the incident occurred at 14:55.

“Reports indicate that an elderly male got into difficulty while swimming after he was pulled out to the backline. The patient was spotted by lifeguards who swam to the gentleman’s aid. Lifeguards pulled the man out of the water who then rapidly started CPR after he was found unresponsive and not breathing.

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“When paramedics arrived on scene, a full advanced life support resuscitation was initiated. Despite best efforts the patients condition rapidly deteriorated and he was sadly declared deceased on the scene,” Herbst said.

Just a few hours earlier, in a separate incident, a man in his 60s is presumed to have drowned at La Lucia Beach.

“Reports indicate that an adult male believed to be in his sixties disappeared under the water after taking a swim at an unprotected beach. Witnesses who saw the man leave his clothes on the beach and enter the water alerted authorities,” he said.

Herbst added a search for the man was conducted, however, he was not found and is presumed to have drowned.