Teen is a lifesaving hero
The club has watched him grow from nipper to lifeguard and hopes his story inspires more youngsters in the community.
Noah Harding, a 16-year-old lifeguard at Scottburgh Lifesaving Club, has been named the ‘November DHL Lifesaving Hero Among Us’ by Lifesaving South Africa.
The teen saved a life while on holiday with his family in Mozambique on October 13, just three weeks after qualifying as a lifeguard.
On the day, Noah and his family went out for supper at the Sunset Shack in Ponta Malongane, with it being their last afternoon/evening on holiday.
At this restaurant, there is a swimming pool and a lively atmosphere.
Noah and his siblings were swimming in the pool with the other children visiting the establishment, but their food arrived, and they got out to eat.
Noah had his back to the swimming pool while he was eating, and everyone was laughing and joking when his mom noticed the mother of one of the children pacing up and down, looking worried.
It was at this point that she noticed a boy was underwater and lying at the bottom of the pool.
Without hesitation, Noah dived in to help the boy in distress. The manager of the establishment also dived in to assist.
Noah brought the boy out of the water, got him into the recovery position, and ascertained that he was still breathing but unconscious; he kept the mother calm and cleared all the spectators away.
After a minute, the boy came round, vomited and was said to have been a bit disorientated.
The lifesaving hero then wrapped a towel around him to keep him warm.
After another 10 minutes of observation, the boy seemed to have recovered well, and Noah recommended to the mother that she take him for a check-up at their nearest clinic or doctor, and they left.
Noah’s family was shaken up by the incident but were grateful that the child was okay and that Noah was able to assist to such an extent.
The Scottburgh Lifesaving Club is proud of the teen who deservingly won November’s Lifesaving Hero title.
The club has watched him grow from nipper to lifeguard and hopes his story inspires more youngsters in the community.
Noah has always been passionate about the ocean, and prior to becoming a lifeguard, he visited Scottburgh Beach regularly and did beach clean-ups.
Lifesaving South Africa stated that Noah truly embodies the spirit of DHL’s Heroes Among Us – going above and beyond the call of duty to care for the community.
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