Off-duty lifeguard Jonah Lustig is being hailed a hero for acting quickly to save a man who had been swept in a rip current at Camps Bay Beach.
Camps Bay, South Africa (09 October 2024) – Off-duty Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club lifeguard Jonah Lustig performed a heroic rescue after spotting a man in distress, caught in a powerful rip current. Jonah had just finished surfing and was walking up the beach when he heard two beachgoers shouting for help, indicating that their friend was drowning.
Jonah quickly assessed the situation and noticed a young man struggling to stay afloat while being pulled out to sea. Without hesitation, Jonah grabbed his surfboard, rushed to the water, and paddled towards the man. He was soon joined by a fellow beachgoer, Sam Frankal, and a City of Cape Town lifeguard. Working together, they managed to get the distressed swimmer onto Jonah’s surfboard and safely brought him back to shore.
Upon reaching the shore, Jonah placed the man in the recovery position and checked his vital signs. The City of Cape Town lifeguards promptly took over, providing oxygen and calling for an ambulance. Thanks to the swift and coordinated response, the man has since made a full recovery.
Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club would like to commend Jonah, Sam, and the City of Cape Town lifeguards for their outstanding efforts in saving this man’s life.
Statement from Paul Lassen, Clifton Surf Patrol Officer:
“The ocean can be unpredictable and dangerous for those unfamiliar with its movements. Rip currents are a frequent hazard along our coastline, forming channels where water flows back out to sea. These can often be identified by darker water and fewer breaking waves. If caught in a rip, it’s critical to remember the #FLOAT-TO-LIVE technique:
- Stay calm and conserve your energy.
- Lie on your back with your arms and legs stretched out to stay afloat.
- Wave or shout if possible to signal for help.
- If you are strong enough to swim, do so parallel to the shore until you are out of the rip, then swim back safely.
Drownings can occur at any time, so it is essential to have basic water awareness and lifesaving skills. We’re incredibly grateful for Jonah’s quick thinking, as well as the assistance from Sam and the City lifeguards, which ensured a positive outcome. Learning these lifesaving skills could one day save your life or someone else’s.”
by 