Umtamvuna Views: Birthday celebration ends in tragedy
Shau Harris was swept out to sea while trying to save his daughter.
LAST Thursday, the Harris family, visiting from Benoni, decided to go to the beach early. The family had travelled to the South Coast to celebrate dad Shaun’s 40th birthday and the gorgeous little bay at Peter Pan was their destination. It seems that one of their daughters got caught in rip currents while swimming and dad Shaun immediately responded, followed by mom Tracy, who also jumped in to help.
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A local surfer went to their assistance, as did a young man swimming nearby. Shaun was dragged right out to sea, as far as the shark nets, and sadly drowned on a day that was a special birthday outing. Mother and daughter were swept onto rocks where the surfer tended them and they were rescued by Tower 13 lifeguards. They were not injured. Lifeguards recovered Shaun (40) and paramedics conducted CPR efforts on the scene, but sadly all efforts were in vain.
Be water-wise
Local beaches are unspoiled and lovely and main bathing beaches are manned by professional lifesavers over holidays and weekends. Nonetheless, rip tides and currents are treacherous and visitors are warned to be more than extra careful when swimming in the sea. Big waves and backwashes come out of nowhere.
Take care
School holidays have arrived and the cluster of local villages are filled with visitors determined to have a fun time.
Hopefully the sun continues to shine and water continues to flow from taps without interruption.
Eskom appears to have taken pity on holidaymakers and load shedding has been set aside (for whatever reason) for the time being. Hoorah! Remember though, criminals are not on holiday. Be alert, be careful and enjoy the holidays.
Annual compo
The Port Edward Bowling Club was buzzing with white-clad competitors eager to take to the greens last Wednesday.
The occasion was the annual ‘Payn Memorial Competition’, sponsored by long-term residents, Barry and Norm Payn. The full field of trip teams pitted their talents against each other. Winners were Mary Phelps (Banners Rest), Anne Wells and Dan Delaney (Port Edward). A fun afternoon was enjoyed by all.
All news to Philippa
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