Tragedy struck the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast over the weekend as rip currents claimed the lives of two individuals, with a third person still missing.
On Saturday afternoon, rip currents near Margate Pier swept away a man and a woman.
A heroic bystander managed to pull the woman from the water and bring her to shore, but despite extensive resuscitation efforts by the NSRI Shelly Beach crew and paramedics, she was declared dead.
The same good samaritan attempted to save the male victim but was forced to retreat due to the treacherous Spring high tide.
The man remains missing, and search efforts involving police divers, lifeguards, and K9 Search and Rescue teams are ongoing.
In a separate incident at Palm Beach, a man was found unresponsive on the shore.
Despite efforts by responders, he was declared dead on the scene.
The NSRI has cautioned beachgoers to stay vigilant, visit lifeguard-protected beaches, and familiarize themselves with tide schedules to avoid the dangers of rip currents.
Police have opened inquest dockets into both incidents.
This serves as a sobering reminder of the ocean’s power and the importance of safety precautions while enjoying the water.