DESPITE the swift efforts of a quick-thinking tour guide, a holidaymaker sadly drowned while swimming in the sea in St Lucia on Friday afternoon.

According to reports, the incident occurred at Main Beach at about 3pm.

The man was part of a group of American tourists who were swimming in the sea when they reportedly ducked for an incoming wave.

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Once the wave passed, the man (69) reportedly surfaced lifeless.

Their tour guide grabbed the NSRI pink rescue buoy stationed at Main Beach, and a long board, and entered the water while bystanders raised the alarm by contacting the NSRI St Lucia Station 40 base.

On reaching the victim, the tour guide found him to be unresponsive. The guide loaded the man onto the long board and paddled towards the shoreline.

He was joined by NSRI rescue swimmers who helped him get the man safely to shore.

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“On the beach, NSRI medics and paramedics medically assessed the man, but sadly he was declared deceased by paramedics,” said NSRI St Lucia station commander Melinda Snyman.

The body was taken into the care of the Department of Health Forensic Pathology Services.

SAPS members were on scene, and an inquest docket has been opened.

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