Kayaker overcome by strong rip current – rescued by lifeguards at Silwerstroomstrand Beach

On Sunday, 26 February 2012 at 12:05 an adult male found himself in distress at the Silwerstroomstrand Beach.

The kayaker that was paddling along the coastline when he was overcome by a strong rip current.

Lifeguards on duty reacted and rescued the victim from the water; and brought him to shore.

The victim was treated on the scene by lifeguards, law enforcement officers and paramedics’ whereafter he was transported to the Westfleur Hospital.

The adult male has been admitted to the hospital overnight for further medical treatment and observation – he is in a stable condition and will be discharged today.

The adult male is known as Shaun Facolyn, aged 44, that is from Mamre.

All beach-goers are urged to be cautious when swimming as rough seas and strong currents making conditions dangerous for swimmers.

Interesting facts regarding Silwerstroomstrand:

· Silwerstroomstrand is a coastal resort mainly by residents of nearby Atlantis and Mamre.

· The resort lies at the southern edge of an immense bay bordered by Bokpunt in the north, and Springfontein se Punt in the south.

· Within this bay, a smaller rocky point called Wintersteen provides added protection from the swell for safe swimming in the sea, and there is also a tidal pool for those wanting a warmer dip without the waves.

· There are picnic sites and braai areas for day visitors, while holiday makers can stay at the bungalows or caravan park.

· A slipway is available for boat-launching, and the shore angling is good too, particularly for hottentot during January and February.

· Silwerstroomstrand is ideal for long walks on the beach, which extends as an unbroken stretch of sand for some 3 km.

· The northern half of the beach is backed by a vast dunefield, oriented diagonally to the shore as it reflects the direction of sand blown off the beach by the prevailing southerly winds.

· Part of the dunefield is a bare sheet of migrating sand, while the rest is covered with strandveld vegetation.

· Due to its conservation worthiness, this is the southern limit of a potential core area identified for the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve.

· The habitat supports a rich diversity of birds, so it is a popular stop on the West Coast birding route.

· To the south, a short walk over the rocky point of Wintersteen leads to the shell-strewn cove of Wintersteen and Skulpbaai, while the much larger Matroosbaai lies beyond Springfontein se Punt.

Source:

Wilfred Schrevian Evan Solomons-Johannes
Head: Systems Integration & Special Projects
Acting Head: Disaster Operations Centre
Disaster Risk Management Centre
Cape Town