A SEARCH operation for a teenager swept out to sea in uMdloti is entering its second day as divers from SAPS and Metro Search and Rescue, as well as the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), continue operations.

The 17-year-old was with two other friends swimming in the area when they got into difficulty on Wednesday afternoon (December 17) just after 16:00.

Two boys, aged 18 and 19, were rescued from the water by eThekwini lifeguards while the third boy was swept away in a rip current.

Also read: Officer recounts story of saving child from drowning in uMhlanga

The rescued teens were treated for hypothermia but were otherwise uninjured.

Andreas Mathios from Marshall Security explained they were also called out to the scene alongside Netcare 911 paramedics.

According to local reports, while the teens were not local to the area, they were from KZN, and had come down to the beach to swim.

In a separate incident a little over a week ago at Durban’s New Beach, a man drowned after getting into difficulty.

Meanwhile, the NSRI said over the past three weeks, rescue crews have seen a notable increase in emergency responses, many involving families and children on holiday at beaches, rivers, dams, and swimming pools.

Also read: NSRI base unveiled in uMhlanga

“Public vigilance, lifeguard services, and community collaboration continue to save lives every day,” said Andrew Ingram, NSRI Communications Manager.

• As of December 10, NSRI volunteers have responded to 13 drownings in progress in the past three weeks. Seven of these were fatal drownings. This does not include incidents that the NSRI was not called out to.

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