Three swimmers rescued from rip currents near eNyokeni in KZN

The surf line near eNyokeni, between Umgababa and Umkomaas, where three teenagers were caught in mid-break rip currents.

A rescue swimmer pulled three teenagers from dangerous rip currents between Umgababa and Umkomaas on Saturday, October 31, after the KZN surf rescue network received reports of a drowning at 4:15pm near eNyokeni, between Umgababa and Umkomaas.

Sphesihle Mngadi, NSRI Rocky Bay rescue swimmer and lifeguard, with assistance from the Amanzimtoti Surf Lifesaving Club, was nearby and took the initiative to head into the water to assist

Upon arrival, Mngadi found three male swimmers, aged 15 to 20, "appearing to be in distress, caught in rip currents in the mid break surf zone," the NSRI reported.

Armed with a rescue torpedo buoy, Mngadi launched into the surf and reached the three swimmers in the mid-breakers.

He guided one swimmer, who managed to float on his back, back to safety before using the buoy to swim the remaining two males back to the beach.

On the beach, Mngadi performed chest compressions on one of the teenagers who required urgent assistance after he had lost consciousness.

The teenager then regained consciousness and "began breathing spontaneously," the NSRI said. Family members took the young teen to the hospital for further examination, while the other two swimmers required no medical treatment.

"Mngadi's swift response was key to saving these young boys' lives, and we commend him for this," the NSRI said, warning swimmers about the ongoing danger of rip currents.

The NSRI advises beachgoers to swim only at beaches where lifeguards are on duty and to stay between the designated flags.

Rip currents may appear as darker channels, gaps in breaking waves or areas where foam and debris move out to sea. If caught in one, stay calm, do not swim directly against the current, and float to conserve energy. When possible, swim parallel to the shore until clear of the current, then use the waves to return to the beach. Raise one arm and call for help if you are in difficulty.